During the week from 13th October to 19th October 2025, the Juridische dienst engaged in a total of 24 consumer consultations. These consultations were conducted through various communication channels, including messenger, phone, Reddit, and Mastodon, providing users with accessible ways to seek guidance on consumer protection issues.

A significant portion of the consultations, exactly seven instances, revolved around oneerlijke handelspraktijken (zwarte lijst). Consumers were advised to document their encounters meticulously, gather evidence, and to cease any interactions with the offending businesses. Each inquiry was meticulously analyzed to ensure that consumers were informed about their rights and the necessary steps to mitigate any potential damages.

In six cases, advice was sought concerning pricing transparency. Recommendations included requesting detailed bills and contracts and verifying price lists to ensure compliance with EU regulations. The aim was to empower consumers with the knowledge required to identify and challenge any discrepancies in pricing information.

There were four instances concerning the topic of health claims related to food. Detailed consultations were provided, emphasizing the importance of verifying the legitimacy of health claims and reporting any misleading information to appropriate bodies. Ensuring that consumers are protected from potentially fraudulent health claims is of utmost importance, and they were guided on how to remain vigilant.

A further three consultations involved queries about grenscontroles tijdens het woon-werkverkeer. The focus was on enlightening consumers about their rights within the EU, eradicating unnecessary delays and ensuring a smooth commuting experience. In instances where issues arose, individuals were provided with a protocol to follow to address these at border checkpoints.

Kwesties met betrekking tot grenscontroles tijdens reizen binnen het Schengengebied were discussed in two cases. Consumers were briefed on their rights under the Schengen Agreement and provided with advice on how to handle any inconveniences encountered during intra-Schengen travel.

As is occasionally the case, one consultation concerned a matter outside the scope of our function, thus counseling did not proceed successfully. The subject involved a complex real estate issue, which is outside our area of competence regarding consumer protection within the European Union.

Each communication channel served different consumer preferences, yet phone and messenger were observed as the most frequent means of reaching out. The week’s consultations reflect the ongoing challenges consumers face and our continual commitment to providing insightful, actionable guidance to uphold consumer rights and satisfaction.

Deze week werd de counseling verzorgd door WhizzBang Viadrina.