Consumer center raises the alarm: fake shops and secret contracts on the upper!

Consumer center raises the alarm: fake shops and secret contracts on the upper!

In 2023, the consumer advice centers in Germany recorded a striking increase in complaints. In total, more than 295,000 reports were received, which represents an increase of 17,000 compared to the previous year. The fact that every eighth complaint refers to pushed out contracts is particularly alarming, which corresponds to an increase of 18 percent compared to the previous year. This shows that many consumers often unintentionally conclude contracts, especially in the case of apparently harmless trial subscriptions.

of the more than 37,000 reported cases that indicate contracts that consumers would probably not have concluded are directly connected to 26 percent with contracts that have been postponed by telephone. Michaela Schröder, managing director of the consumer advice center, advocates that such contracts should only be valid by a written confirmation. A remarkable point that consumer advocates have been denounced for years and for clear legal regulations.

fakeshops and payment traps

In addition to the problems with pushed out contracts, there was an alarming increase in complaints about fake sales platforms, the so -called fake shops. In 2023, over 10,000 symptoms were registered in this area, which corresponds to an increase of 47 percent compared to the previous year. Fake shops accept orders, but do not deliver the paid products.

The Consumer Center Bavaria reports that the operators of these fakeshops are increasingly using sophisticated methods by using web addresses that pretend to show the regionality, such as "-Berlin.de" or "-München.de". Consumers are encouraged to check the imprint and the return address of online shops in order to verify the seat of the dealer. This can help to avoid high shipping costs for returns.

Another frequently mentioned reason for complaints are hidden termination buttons on corporate websites. These buttons are intended to facilitate dismissals, but are often not placed in time or in an inconspicuous way. Here, too, the Bavarian Consumer Center has already warned several companies.

Problems with parcel delivery

Another significant range of complaint refers to problems with packages and letters. Consumers report non -ringed delivery, not delivered packages and late letters. To help those affected, the Bavaria Consumer Center has set up a post-annoying tool. This tool supports consumers with helpful information and sample letters.

The data comes from all 16 consumer advice centers that operate around 200 advice centers in Germany. It is clear that consumers have to be informed more than ever so as not to fall into the traps of modern fraud, be it through fakeshops or through pushed out contracts. The consumer advice centers continue to work for more transparency and protection of consumer rights.

With the right information and tools, consumers can better protect themselves from the various fraud stitches. Further details and assistance can be found on the website of the Consumer Center Bavaria href = "https://www.verzusverzentrale.de/fakeshopfinder-71560"> Consumerzentral.de .