CITIZENS' INITIATIVEIndependent consumer information, focus on Germany
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Guides

Consumer rights explained clearly: what the law says, how to recognise dubious claims and scams and which steps are open to you. Every guide states its legal foundations and sources.

Topics: Purchase law & withdrawal, Phishing & data theft, Tenancy & service charges, Debt collection & claims, Fake shops, Subscription traps

Purchase law & withdrawal

Right of withdrawal for online purchases: 14 days and their exceptions

When the 14-day period really begins, which goods are excluded from withdrawal, who pays for the return, and why missing information extends the period to over a year.

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Phishing & data theft

Spotting phishing: how to unmask fake emails and text messages

You can recognise fake messages from your bank, a parcel service or a streaming provider by recurring patterns. Here is how to check the sender and links, and how to react correctly after a click.

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Tenancy & service charges

Checking your service-charge statement: the most common errors

About half of all service-charge statements are incorrect. Here is how to check your statement step by step and spot inadmissible items, missed deadlines and wrong allocation keys.

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Tenancy & service charges

Rip-offs when renting: scams every tenant should know

From the excessive back-claim to feigned personal need: the most common tricks around the apartment, the deposit and rent increases, and the right legal response to each.

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Debt collection & claims

Limitation: when you no longer have to pay old claims

Most everyday claims become time-barred after 3 years. Here is how to calculate the period, how to raise the defence of limitation, and how to avoid the small-down-payment trap.

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Fake shops

Spotting fake online shops: the checklist

How to recognise fraudulent online shops before ordering, how to check the imprint, trust seals and payment methods, and what can still be salvaged after paying.

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Subscription traps

Subscription traps online: how to spot, revoke and cancel them

How to recognise subscription traps, why many subscription contracts are not even valid without a correct order button, and how to get your money back and cancel.

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Debt collection & claims

How to spot an unjustified debt-collection letter

How to check in just a few minutes whether a debt-collection (Inkasso) claim is genuine and justified, how to recognise fraud and what you should do.

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