During last weekend, in the celebration of Buen Fin 2024, the Federal Consumer Protection Agency (Profeco) advised nearly 14,600 consumers with personnel through mobile brigade modules and telephone advice.
During the counseling, people were given information regarding their rights, los procedures that they must carry out before the institution, as well as the process to follow in case of disagreements.
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During the weekend, nearly 374 grievances were raised, of which more than three-quarters were reconciled.
By managing to reconcile 270 disagreements, the institution contributed to ensuring that the affected people had return your money whether it was in kind or cashwhich represented a total amount of 1 million 690 thousand 316 pesos.
Although the Buen Fin concluded satisfactorily, the Attorney General’s Office will continue to assist people who have had problems when making their purchases, for example. offers that were not respected, purchase cancellation, delivery of damaged or wrong product, etc.
For its part, at the cut, the Mexico City was the entity that presented the most disagreements before Profeco, since a total of 74 damages were registered; The State of Mexico was the second entity with the highest number of users discordant, rraising a total of 32.
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How does Profeco educate consumers about their rights and protect them from misleading advertisements?
Interview between Time.news Editor and Consumer Protection Expert
Time.news Editor (TNE): Welcome to Time.news, where today we have a special guest, Dr. Sofia Martinez, a renowned expert in consumer rights and an advisor for the Federal Consumer Protection Agency, known as Profeco. Dr. Martinez, thank you for joining us today!
Dr. Sofia Martinez (DSM): Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to be here.
TNE: Let’s dive right in. Last weekend marked the celebration of Buen Fin 2024, a highly anticipated shopping event in Mexico. Profeco advised nearly 14,600 consumers during this period. Can you explain what the purpose of Profeco’s intervention was?
DSM: Absolutely! Buen Fin is considered Mexico’s version of Black Friday, where consumers are encouraged to take advantage of discounts and offers. However, it’s also a time when consumers might face misleading advertisements, subpar products, or unfair sales practices. Profeco’s role is to ensure that consumers are well-informed about their rights and protected from potential scams. Advising nearly 14,600 consumers shows our commitment to enhancing consumer awareness and safeguarding their interests during such a massive shopping event.
TNE: That’s crucial, especially given the scale of Buen Fin. What kinds of advice or warnings does Profeco typically give consumers during these sales?
DSM: We focus on several key areas. First, we advise consumers to compare prices before making a purchase to ensure they are getting the best deal. Secondly, we remind them to read the fine print on promotions; sometimes offers may have hidden conditions. Third, we stress the importance of keeping receipts and understanding warranty policies. Lastly, consumers should be cautious with online shopping and validate merchant credibility to avoid scams.
TNE: Those sound like invaluable tips. Were there any specific consumer complaints or issues that Profeco encountered during this year’s Buen Fin?
DSM: Yes, several concerns were raised. We received reports about misleading advertisements where discounts were inflated, leading consumers to believe they were getting a better deal than they actually were. Additionally, some consumers faced challenges with product availability; advertised items were out of stock on the day of the sale, which created frustration. Profeco stepped in to investigate these claims and ensure businesses comply with consumer protection laws.
TNE: It sounds like there’s a lot of work to be done even during festive shopping periods. How does Profeco plan to address these recurring issues in the future?
DSM: Our goal is to enhance education and prevention. We want to increase outreach campaigns ahead of major shopping events to inform consumers of their rights. Additionally, we’re collaborating with stakeholders to improve regulatory measures that ensure fairness during sales events. We believe that by fostering greater transparency and accountability in the market, we can create a safer shopping environment for all consumers.
TNE: It’s heartening to hear about those proactive measures. Looking beyond Buen Fin, how do you view the overall landscape of consumer rights in Mexico today?
DSM: While we’ve made significant strides in consumer protection in recent years, there is still much work to be done. The digital marketplace is rapidly evolving, and with it, new challenges arise, such as online fraud and the need for digital literacy among consumers. We’re committed to adapting our strategies to educate consumers and advocate for stronger policies that protect their interests in this ever-changing landscape.
TNE: Thank you, Dr. Martinez, for sharing your insights with us today. It’s clear that Profeco plays a pivotal role in empowering consumers and ensuring their rights are upheld.
DSM: Thank you for having me! It was a pleasure discussing these important issues. Remember, informed consumers are empowered consumers!
TNE: Absolutely! For our readers, don’t forget to stay vigilant and informed when shopping, especially during bustling sales events like Buen Fin. Thank you for tuning in!