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Caution

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.

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.

Trivago convicted for deceiving consumers

Room price manipulation in Australia: On the comparison platform Trivago, Australian customers were not suggested the cheapest hotel rooms but search results with the highest profits were issued for the platform.

Warning: Holiday homes in Spain

Dubious providers ended many a traveler´s dream of a vacation in a Spanish villa. After having paid for accommodation, the provider was suddenly no longer available.

Brexit: Scam with small ads

Brexit is not just concerning international politicians. Fraudsters are now increasingly using the UK's exit from the EU for their schemes on the internet.

Ordering travel documents online

Many consumers report dubious websites to us, that offer overpriced or invalid travel documents. The following artice explains how to find the actual authority and which websites to avoid.

Fake reminders

13.08.2018 / Copyright infringement on kinox.to

Warning against film portals

Streaming platforms that offer movies for a cheap price or even for free, are very attractive for consumers. Unfortunately, there are many providers who are dubious and threaten their customers with reminders and execution. The argument: The test phase of their subscription allegedly turned into a long-term, fee-based contract. This practice is unlawful. We explain what you can do in this situation.

Streaming across borders

Since 1. April 2018, a new regulation of the EU regarding "cross-border portability of online content services" is in force. It enables consumers to use their subscriptions for movies, music or sport streaming services abroad like at home.

What is ICO?

21.02.2018 / Risky trend crypto currency