Caution
Online Rip-Off
Coaching rip-off still going strong
Dubious coaching providers are still very active. Hardly any other rip-off industry knows how to use the potential of social media and target group advertising so skilfully to get money from the unsuspecting. We give those affected recommendations for action and warn urgently against cost traps amounting to several thousand euros!
Fraud traps in social media
Consumers often fall prey to psychological stimuli that cause them to act impulsively and rashly. Read here about scams on social media and the new CPC Regulation, which improves the warning system and enforcement of consumer offences in the EU.
Cost traps with ETA and e-visas
When searching online, be mindful of the websites you use for ESTA or e-Visa applications. Many seemingly official sites are expensive intermediaries that merely forward applications to the authorities. Always submit applications directly on the official government websites to avoid unnecessary costs.
Dating sites as cost traps
What are the reasons for complaints against dating platforms? Whether you are looking for a long-term relationship, a casual fling or an erotic adventure, the problems on dating sites are often similar.
Love and romance scams
More and more people are falling victim to scams in online dating and flirting on social media. Criminals create fake profiles to establish supposed romantic relationships and exploit their victims.
Flirting like a pro?
Online coaches promise expensive dating success, but often deliver only empty promises. Learn how you can free yourself from such coaching contracts and what you should look out for.
Scams
Love and romance scams
More and more people are falling victim to scams in online dating and flirting on social media. Criminals create fake profiles to establish supposed romantic relationships and exploit their victims.
Online fraud in used car sales
Scammers are targeting buyers on popular platforms with bogus vehicle listings. Learn how to spot the red flags and protect yourself from advance-fee fraud in our full article.
Usury with books
Facsimiles, i.e. replicas, of magnificent antique volumes, bibles or encyclopaedias are sold for thousands of euros in door-to-door sales. The victims are mainly elderly or old people. They were promised a safe investment. It later transpires that they were sold relatively worthless books.
Beware of hacker SMS about alleged parcel delivery
Attention: A fake SMS message about a fake parcel delivery is currently doing the rounds among Austrian Android smartphones. If you click on the link it contains, spy software will be installed on your mobile phone!
Copyright & Counterfeiting
Safer Streaming
Even before the coronavirus pandemic, the market for streaming services was in a solid growth process. The lockdown measures to contain COVID-19 have boosted demand even further, with leading streaming services even agreeing to reduce the video quality of streams at the request of the EU Commission to free up bandwidth for more important services. Even though the first rush of new customers to the streaming platforms has already slowed down somewhat, the increased demand in the area of video streaming has also led to an increased number of consumers who have fallen for fraudulent offers. Many consumers do not notice if they have signed up for a dubious streaming service. The rude awakening often comes a few days later when letters arrive from lawyers or debt collection agencies demanding several hundred euros for allegedly completed annual memberships. Due to the numerous requests for help from injured parties, the European Consumer Centre Austria (ECC) has now compiled information for consumers on the subject of video streaming.
Beware of counterfeit goods
The internet is full of promising offers. Onlineshops outdo each other with cheap prices and discount campaigns. It can be hard to distinguish which trader is trustworthy and which is not. Our ECC-Net has some tips on how you can avoid traps and fakes.
Amazon, Booking and Expedia take action against fake reviews
Amazon and travel platforms Booking and Expedia agreed to stop false online reviews to restore trust in customer reviews.
Downloading music and videos
Downloading songs and movies is very popular. But consumers are often unsure whether it is legal or not.
Warning against law firm Schmidt
Warning: Reminders regarding copyright infringements are a fraud trying to rip off frightened consumers
Free WiFi: Provider is not liable
20.09.2016 / Verdict of the ECJ
