It is useful both for users and for fraud prevention. Approximately 500,000 reports have been made by consumers on the SignalConso platform of the DGCCRF (Directorate General for Competition, Consumption and the Repression of Fraud) since its creation in 2020, the government announced on Monday.
The platform, now available via a free mobile apphas been used by more than 320,000 consumers, announced at a press conference Olivia Grégoire, Minister Delegate for SMEs and Trade.
📲 Today we are launching the app @SignalConso available on Apple and Android.
On a daily basis, and especially in times of inflation, the fight against scams and deceptive commercial practices must be a priority.
Thread 👇🏼 pic.twitter.com/DXnKR2l2q8
— Olivia Gregoire (@oliviagregoire) May 22, 2023
” Over the past 12 months, 195,000 reports have been filed including 75,000 for online purchases, 23,000 for in-store purchases, 18,000 for renovation work and 14,000 for travel and leisure”, further details a press release from Bercy.
E-commerce occupies a very important part
“More than 43% of reports relate to websites : quality of products, delivery times, conditions of guarantee, withdrawal or refund, lack of legal notices, etc. “, also reveals the document.
“Most companies take notice of what is reported and correct,” said Sarah Lacoche, the new director general of the Directorate General for Competition and Fraud Prevention.
SignalConso gives consumers the opportunity to quickly inform a professional about a problem (delivery, misleading promise, contract, etc.) and find out about their rights. The platform also allows DGCCRF agents to better target their investigations and controls, in particular by facilitating the identification of professionals who are the subject of many reports or emerging problems.