Consumer complaints up by 44.9 per cent

The Cyprus Consumers Association on Monday warned of a continuous increase in the number of complaints it has received, pointing to a notable surge compared to previous years.

In a statement, the association said that in 2023, a total of 2,152 complaints were submitted, marking a significant rise from the 1,485 complaints in 2022, an increase of 44.9 per cent.

The association identified four primary categories with substantial increases compared to 2022, namely complaints related to return policies, with a surge of 166 per cent, frauds via electronic messages, up 161 per cent, complaints regarding accuracy in descriptions of items, up 148 per cent, and online scams, with an increase of 111 per cent.

Specifically, in 2023, 93 complaints were filed for online scams compared to 44 in 2022. Complaints about price discrepancies and overcharging totalled 270 in 2023, compared to 165 in 2022.

Additionally, complaints regarding accuracy in descriptions of items reached 221 in 2023 from 89 in 2022, while complaints concerning fraud via electronic messages using various business identities amounted to 47 in 2023 compared to 18 in 2022.

Product warranty complaints rose to 473 in 2023 from 339 in 2022, and unfair commercial practices complaints were 110 in 2023 compared to 98 in 2022.

Moreover, complaints about abusive terms in consumer contracts were 42 in 2023 compared to 39 in 2022. Return policy complaints were 343 in 2023 compared to 129 in 2022.

Flight cancellations or delays, boarding denials, mishandling of baggage complaints totalled 200 in 2023 compared to 144 in 2022, showcasing a 38.9 per cent increase from the year before. However, food safety complaints were 51 in 2023 compared to 56 in 2022, indicating an 8.9 per cent decrease.

Overall, there were 2,152 complaints in 2023 compared to 1,485 in 2022, reflecting an increase of 44.9 per cent.

“The Cyprus Consumers Association takes consumers’ concerns and the continued rise in complaints seriously,” the statement said.

“It aims to intensify efforts to educate consumers about their rights and conduct more robust market checks and monitoring within its capabilities.”

The association also stressed its success in reaching separate mediation and resolution agreements with 62 retail businesses, significantly aiding in resolving consumer complaints.

“These agreements decisively assist in resolving consumer grievances,” the statement concluded.