Weekly Report, 2025-02-24 to 2025-03-02

From 2025-02-24 to 2025-03-02, the Service Juridique provided a total of 14 consultations related to various consumer protection issues. The consultations were conducted through different communication channels, with email being the most frequently used method, followed by phone and video call. Additionally, there were individual instances where consumers reached out via Reddit and Telegram.

During this week, the most prevalent issue encountered was related to unfair business practices. Specifically, six cases involved complaints regarding unfair business practices of unspecified nature, while four cases concerned blacklisted unfair business practices. Consumers were advised in these situations on how to document their experiences accurately and were guided on the legal recourse available to them under EU consumer protection laws.

In five instances, consumers sought guidance concerning warranty on consumer goods. The counsel provided detailed advice on the rights of consumers regarding warranties and the steps required to claim remedies such as repairs, replacements, or refunds under valid warranty terms.

There were also two consultations regarding unfair practice involving exerting of pressure. These cases typically involved aggressive sales techniques. Consumers were informed about their rights to cancel contracts where undue pressure was applied and were instructed on the appropriate formalities if they wished to proceed with such actions.

One unusual case was identified outside the typical scope of the Service Juridique, involving issues of real estate rent, which were not applicable under EU consumer protection guidelines. The consumer was advised that unfortunately, this matter does not align with the services provided by our agency.

Finally, regarding concerns about pseudo medicine/health not related to food, consultations were offered twice this week. Consumers were made aware of recognized regulatory bodies they could approach and were provided with information on how to verify the credibility of health-related claims.

The Service Juridique remains committed to delivering thorough and precise guidance in adherence to EU consumer protection laws, ensuring that consumers are well-informed about their rights and the actions available to them.

This week counseling was provided by WhizzBang Maas-Rhein.

About WhizzBang: WhizzBang is a European network focused on consumer and data protection, uniquely dedicated to representing the interests of expatriates—individuals living in an EU country different from where they were socialized. With offices in Frankfurt/Oder (WhizzBang Viadrina), Aachen (WhizzBang Meuse-Rhine), and Brussels, WhizzBang actively supports the EU single market and opposes national barriers, striving to ensure that consumers exercising their fundamental freedoms receive the protection and support they need.

Lizence CC:BY-NC-ND