Home-based fraud schemes tend to have a brief lifespan: a newly launched initiative aimed at combating such scams at the domestic level
In an effort to combat the rising issue of domestic repair scams, the French Directorate General for Competition, Consumption, and Fraud Repression (DGCCRF) has launched a new prevention campaign. The campaign aims to protect vulnerable clients and reduce the number of victims of these illicit activities.
Over the past year, the DGCCRF has tightened its controls on approximately 600 suspect companies due to domestic repair scams. These companies, often ephemeral and capable of disappearing, have been the source of concern, with over 60% of anomalies detected during controls at suspected professionals last year being related to such scams.
Last year, there were 2,600 reports of such emergencies on the Signal Conso platform. One such incident occurred in Ribécourt Dreslincourt, where an administrator reported an instance of a company overcharging an elderly resident for a water leak repair, inflating the original quote from 200 euros to 800 euros.
The seizures by the DGCCRF have been effective in stopping these activities. For instance, the confiscation of 150,000 flyers advertising domestic repair professionals before the Olympics was a significant step. Over 60% of the targeted and controlled companies were sanctioned.
The prevention campaign reaches out to major cities, town halls, and local authorities, with town halls serving as a key source of information. Some local authorities provide directories of reliable domestic repair professionals.
Protecting oneself from overcharging by these companies involves several steps. Firstly, verify licenses and certifications to ensure the repair company is legitimate. Secondly, obtain multiple quotes from different companies to compare prices and services. Thirdly, clearly document the issue before and after the repair, using secure methods. Fourthly, check online reviews to research the company's reputation. Fifthly, use legal protections, such as product liability laws, to protect against unfair practices. Sixthly, seek advice from consumer protection agencies like the DGCCRF if you suspect a scam. Seventhly, ensure clear contracts that outline the scope of work, materials needed, and total cost. Lastly, monitor payments and avoid paying in full upfront.
The campaign also aims to provide vulnerable clients with alerts about domestic repair scams. It is important to note that this campaign is just beginning, and the fraudulent activities in domestic repair have resulted in the prevention of 230 million euros in aid.
By following these steps and staying vigilant, you can reduce the risk of being overcharged by domestic repair scam companies in France. For further advice and assistance, contact the DGCCRF or your local consumer protection agency.
- To further fortify the protection for vulnerable citizens and promote a safe and honest home-and-garden lifestyle, the ongoing prevention campaign by the French DGCCRF extends to include general-news updates and crime-and-justice alerts about domestic repair scams in various cities and towns.
- Additionally, in an effort to escalate the fight against such deceitful practices, the DGCCRF encourages French citizens to immerse themselves in the rich and diverse French lifestyle by exploring local town halls, learning about reliable domestic repair professionals, and adopting a vigilant stance against domestic repair scams, thus ensuring a more secure French lifestyle for everyone.
