From May 6th to May 12th, 2024, the Service Juridique provided consumer counseling through a variety of communication channels, including Mastodon, Messenger, Reddit, e-mail, Telegram, and phone. During this period, a total of 18 consultations were conducted, addressing a diverse array of consumer protection issues.

Unfair business practices emerged as one of the predominant subjects, specifically those involving black listed practices and misleading information or statements. In seven cases, consumers sought advice regarding potentially deceptive practices by businesses. Consumers were advised to carefully document any misrepresentations and to review their rights under EU consumer protection laws. Affected consumers were guided towards options for remediation, including initiating formal complaints with relevant bodies.

Travelers’ rights were also a focal point throughout the week. In four instances, consumers experienced disruptions related to package holidays, while two cases involved issues with train travel. In these instances, the consumers were advised to quickly contact their travel providers to request compensation or alternative arrangements, as stipulated under EU regulations on passenger rights. Emphasis was placed on gathering all pertinent documentation, such as tickets and correspondence with the travel company, to support their claims.

Three consultations centered on concerns about (unfair) general terms and conditions of service contracts. Consumers were encouraged to scrutinize the terms for any clauses that might be deemed unfair or non-compliant with EU directives. Practical advice was offered on how to contest such terms, emphasizing the importance of written communication with the service providers to dispute any grievances.

During this week, two consultations involved queries about food supplements, specifically around claims made in advertising and labeling. Assistance was provided in understanding the regulatory framework that governs food supplements in the EU, and consumers were guided on how to challenge any misleading claims made by manufacturers.

There was one instance where the consultation could not proceed as the issue raised fell outside the scope of our services; however, this remained an uncommon occurrence. Overall, the week’s consultations emphasize the need for continued vigilance and advocacy in consumer protection within the EU.

This week counseling was provided by WhizzBang Viadrina.