Data missteps leading to personal data compromises and incorrect billing issues
In the spotlight of consumer advocates, large digital companies face ongoing investigations and lawsuits. Notable examples include proceedings against Meta aimed at safeguarding sensitive user data, and a class action lawsuit examining Amazon's unilateral adjustments to Prime subscription prices.
Additionally, these companies are raising awareness about new online scams such as "quishing" through fake QR codes and other types of phishing. An alarming statistic from the North Rhine-Westphalia Consumer Advice Phishing Radar reveals a 70% increase in reported suspicious emails, with over 400,000 such emails noted in 2024.
Speaking at the annual press conference on May 28, 2025, Wolfgang Schuldzinski, CEO of the North Rhine-Westphalia Consumer Advice, shared concerns about consumer safety in the digital sphere. He emphasized the need for informed consumers and appropriate protection, and stressed the importance of legislative action to keep pace with digital developments.
On the practical side, the digitalization efforts of the North Rhine-Westphalia Consumer Advice aim to expand consumer information and self-help resources through mobile advisory formats and online tools. Using the Fake Shop Finder, an AI-assisted tool for checking online shops, around 2.9 million times - almost double the usage in the previous year.
Apart from digital issues, concerns persist around misleading energy bills, imposed contracts, and confusion surrounding fiber optic expansion. Schuldzinski expressed frustration at the lack of clarity in certain areas, particularly the fiber optic expansion, where consumers have signed contracts but remain in the dark about responsibilities and activation dates.
In times of uncertainty, reliable guidance is essential, according to Schuldzinski. Strong consumer protection bolsters trust in democracy, which the North Rhine-Westphalia Consumer Advice stands for - both personally and digitally.
In light of the increasing digital scams like "quishing," personal-finance awareness is crucial in the digital era. To address this, the North Rhine-Westphalia Consumer Advice is seeking advancements in technology, such as their AI-assisted Fake Shop Finder, to help consumers make informed decisions.
