• Seniors, like all of us, are vulnerable to shopping pitfalls. Marketing ploys and dishonest actions of entrepreneurs are tailor-made.
• Invitation to a free screening and prize drawing? Beware! This could be a trap! A decoy for a show and purchase on credit of things not worth the price.
• Remember! The law specifically protects consumers in this situation. It is forbidden to enter into financial agreements at shows and tours. Pass it on!

Health check for show

Extremely friendly consultants understanding health problems. They call and invite you to supposed free spirometry or eye exams. Spa patients are lured to appointments with free healing pillows or mats. In addition, they promise a raffle drawing for special prizes.

Beware! This could be a trap!

Dishonest entrepreneurs hide the true purpose of meetings. They want to sell you a wool mattress, an ozone generator, a set of dishes or a multifunctional vacuum cleaner. These may be different products, but they have one thing in common - they are not worth the price. Salesmen exert pressure, convincing people to buy here and now. At the same time, they are very courteous - offering to help transport heavy items. Why? More often than not, they want to sign a loan agreement at your home! And even worse, they often refuse the return of the product, telling you to waive your right to cancel the agreement.

Special rights of the consumer

The law further protects consumers in these situations. The consumer has the right to withdraw from an agreement signed at a show or during an unscheduled visit home or a tour. Without giving a reason, the consumer has:

• 14 days for an item bought at a show
• 30 days for an item bought during an unscheduled visit home or a tour

It is also prohibited to enter into financial agreements, such as a loan, during a show or a tour. An agreement concluded in this situation is invalid!

Remember! An entrepreneur cannot take away your rights!

How can you protect yourself?

• Don’t sign documents under pressure.
• Before you decide, talk to your family, friends, neighbours.
• Demand copies of signed documents.
• Pay attention to the entrepreneur’s contact information: address, phone number.
• Go to a prospective meeting with a relative.

Caring not for show

For yourself and others, you can order for free the “Health check for show? Beware!” leaflet from the UOKiK website.

You can also download the leaflet from the website prawakonsumenta.uokik.gov.pl. It serves as a comprehensive virtual guide to consumer regulations. In addition to concise knowledge, it includes ready-made letter templates, webinars and podcasts, infographics and brochures, and contact details of helpful institutions.

Reach for more with your loved ones! Pass it on!

• Listen to the podcast “The world’s most expensive pots, or senior citizens at a show”
• Watch the webinar “Assertiveness for show?”

In addition, participate in the webinar of the Polish Financial Supervision Authority “Safe senior - how not to get scammed on the Internet” this Tuesday, 21 January at 5:00 pm - registration and information on the PFSA website.

We also remind you about our webinar on the activities of cybercriminals - watch the conversation with an expert from the National Police Headquarters “What to watch out for so you don’t lose your data and money”.