Serious allegations from the Office of Competition and Consumer Protection against a well-known company. They were ripping off customers

The Office of Competition and Consumer Protection brought charges against Autocentrum AAA Auto for violating the collective interests of consumers. The objections concern the method of selling cars on credit and making financing dependent on the purchase of additional products and services.

The Office of Competition and Consumer Protection received complaints from people who claimed that the possibility of purchasing a car in installments was associated with the obligation to purchase the entire package. It was to include, among others: GPS locator, car insurance and accessories such as a fire extinguisher, warning triangle or reflective vest.

UOKiK’s allegations against AAA Auto

According to the information collected by the office, some of the additives offered were not needed by consumers. Buyers may have already owned such products or purchased them themselves elsewhere. Despite this, their purchase was to be a condition for obtaining a car loan.

The costs of additional services and products were added to the financing amount. As a result, the value of the loan exceeded the price of the vehicle, and customers had to repay more than they had initially planned. According to the complaints, the difference sometimes amounted to several thousand zlotys.

A loan higher than the price of the car

The President of the Office of Competition and Consumer Protection, Tomasz Chróstny, pointed out that the consumer was offered the purchase of a car in installments provided that he purchased additional products or services. As a result, the amount of the obligation increased, sometimes by several thousand zlotys.

The Office found that such a practice may violate the collective interests of consumers. If the allegations are confirmed, the company may face a fine of up to 10%. its annual turnover.

Unclear information about the GPS locator

The Office of Competition and Consumer Protection’s reservations also concern the method of informing customers about the GPS locator. According to the office, consumers did not receive basic data about the device, including information about its model, type, purpose and technical parameters.

The lack of such information made it difficult to assess whether the locator meets the customer’s needs and whether it can be installed in a specific car. Buyers also did not know the exact scope of the service associated with the device.

Automatic extension of paid service

Another objection concerns the rules for extending the GPS location service. According to the Office of Competition and Consumer Protection, customers were not clearly informed that after the end of the period specified in the contract, the service would be automatically renewed for another paid period.

The Office emphasizes that in accordance with its position, also confirmed in court jurisprudence, the extension of the contract should only take place after obtaining the express consent of the consumer. The proceedings of the Office of Competition and Consumer Protection are to determine whether the company’s practices actually violated the collective interests of buyers.