The Free operator is accused of canceling telephone orders placed by customers without refunding them in time. Convicted of “deceptive commercial practice”, the company was fined 2.2 million euros, the Directorate General for Competition, Consumers and Fraud Prevention announced on Monday 2 december.
free agreed to pay this fine for being guilty of canceling telephone orders placed by customers without refunding them “within a reasonable time”, the DGCCRF said.
“Compensation” for customers
Free has also committed to cease the commercial practices in question, which occurred between August 2020 and january 2022.
The company also agreed to eliminate from its general conditions the possibility of “offset” between the sums paid for the order of a mobile phone and the sums owed by consumers to the operator. Questioned by AFP, free declined to comment.
The operator was also convicted on Thursday by the Paris Court of Appeal in another case for misleading advertising over a 5G mobile phone offer. In this context, the company will have to pay the Familles Rurales association the sum of 15,000 euros as compensation for damages.
How does misleading advertising in the telecom industry impact consumer trust?
Q&A Interview: Addressing Consumer Rights Violations in Telecoms with Industry Expert
Time.news Editor (TNE): Thank you for joining us today. We’ve seen recent developments concerning Free, the telecom provider, who has been fined 2.2 million euros for deceptive commercial practices. Can you explain the background of this issue?
Industry Expert (IE): Absolutely.The Directorate General for Competition, Consumers and Fraud Prevention (DGCCRF) found that Free canceled telephone orders placed by customers without refunding them within a reasonable time frame. This practice affected many consumers and ultimately led to the hefty fine.
TNE: that’s quite meaningful. What led to Free agreeing to pay this fine, and what are the implications for the company moving forward?
IE: After being convicted of “deceptive commercial practice,” Free opted to pay the fine rather than appeal. This indicates an acknowledgment of wrongdoing. Moving forward, it must cease these practices, which took place between August 2020 and January 2022, and make operational changes to ensure compliance.
TNE: You mentioned operational changes. What specific steps is Free taking to rectify these issues?
IE: Free has committed to eliminating the ability to offset payments in their general conditions. Essentially, this means they cannot use the sums paid for mobile orders against any outstanding debts owed by consumers. This change is crucial for restoring consumer trust and ensuring clarity in their transactions.
TNE: Alongside this fine, we’ve seen Free face another conviction regarding misleading advertising related to a 5G mobile phone offer. Can you delve into this case?
IE: Certainly. The Paris Court of Appeal ruled against Free in another case where misleading advertising was found regarding their 5G mobile offering. This resulted in a compensation payment of 15,000 euros to Familles Rurales, an association that advocates for family interests. This case underscores the importance of honesty in advertising, especially in a highly competitive market like telecom.
TNE: From an industry viewpoint, what do you think the broader implications of Free’s practices are? How does this impact consumers and the telecom sector as a whole?
IE: This situation serves as a wake-up call for the entire industry. Deceptive commercial practices not only harm consumers but also tarnish the reputation of the telecom sector. It emphasizes the need for transparency and accountability. Consumers are becoming increasingly aware of their rights, and companies can no longer afford to overlook ethical buisness practices.
TNE: That’s insightful. As consumers, what practical steps can they take to protect themselves in light of these developments?
IE: Awareness is the key. Consumers shoudl read the terms and conditions carefully before making purchases, monitor their accounts for any irregularities, and report any suspicious actions. If they suspect deceptive practices, they should not hesitate to contact customer service or consumer protection agencies to address their concerns.
TNE: Thank you for sharing your expertise on these critically important issues. It’s vital for consumers to stay informed about their rights in the face of commercial practices that may not uphold their interests.
IE: Absolutely, and thank you for shining a light on this topic. Awareness and education are the best tools consumers have.
This engaging interview emphasizes key points about Free’s recent fines and practices while providing insights and advice for readers, effectively blending relevant keywords for SEO optimization.