Consumer Affairs
Belgian Repair Service Complaints Surge Past 1,100
FOD Economie received 1,134 complaints about repair services in the first half of 2026. Learn the warning signs and how to protect yourself.
—3 min read
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#Consumer Protection
62 articles
BusinessTechnology
Belgian Telecom Giants Appeal IBPT Price Transparency Rules
Proximus, Orange and Telenet file individual appeals against IBPT's price transparency policy, challenging requirements they say go too far.
—4 min read
LegalEconomy
China Cracks Down on Deceptive Ad Citation 'Text Traps'
China's new advertising citation guidelines crack down on deceptive 'text traps' like hidden disclaimers and artificially narrowed 'first place' claims.
—6 min read
PoliticsSociety
Belgian Gambling Commission Flags Advertising Law Loopholes
Belgian Gambling Commission flags advertising law loopholes, urging a total ban as illegal sites advertise freely and operators bypass restrictions.
—5 min read
PoliticsEconomy
Belgium Probes Play Sports Pricing After €15 Football Hike
Belgian Minister Beenders requests BIPT and Competition Authority investigation into Telenet's Play Sports pricing after a €15 football hike.
—4 min read
Consumer SafetyRegulation
China Tightens Children's Cosmetics Safety Rules
China's first mandatory cosmetics safety standard, effective 2028, imposes 10x stricter microbial limits on children's products.
—5 min read
Consumer RightsTechnology
China Consumers Association Takes on AI Customer Service
China's Consumers Association addresses rising complaints about AI customer service, including unfulfilled promises and difficulty reaching human agents.
—4 min read
Consumer News
Belgian Family Scammed Twice by Booking.com Ghost Listings
A Belgian family was scammed twice in one day through fake ghost listings on Booking.com in Italy, part of a fraud affecting over 120 families.
—4 min read
LawEconomy
Guangdong Enacts Landmark Consumer Protection Legislation
Guangdong enacts landmark consumer protection laws targeting big data price discrimination, elderly fraud, prepaid scams, and cross-border disputes.
—6 min read
EconomyRegulation
China Regions Tighten Life Insurance 'Dual Recording' Rules
Chinese regions refine 'dual recording' rules for life insurance, requiring audio-video documentation of sales to protect consumers.
—5 min read
Consumer ProtectionSociety
Health Lecture Scams Target China's Seniors, Report Warns
A People's Daily report exposes how predatory health lectures scam elderly consumers, prompting calls for stronger regulation of health pseudo-science.
—5 min read
Society
China Launches Campaign to Curb Marriage Agency Misconduct
Five Chinese ministries began an eight-month crackdown on marriage agency misconduct, from fake matchmaking to data leaks.
—4 min read
EconomyFinance
China's New Personal Loan Rules Mandate Full Cost Disclosure
Starting August 1, China requires all lenders to disclose comprehensive financing costs to borrowers, ending opaque pricing in the personal loan market.
—5 min read
Economy
China Issues 3 New Standards for Online Home Services
China's SAMR released three national standards regulating online home services to improve quality and consumer protection in the trillion-yuan market.
—4 min read
BusinessLegal
Costco Reaches $14M Settlement Over Email Marketing
Costco agrees to $14M class-action settlement over deceptive promotional emails. Washington shoppers may receive up to $500 per qualifying message.
—4 min read
EconomyPolicy
Belgium to Charge Firms for Consumer Complaints
Belgian firms pay EUR 250-500 per consumer complaint to the Ombudsman starting Jan 2027. New rules phase out subsidies, saving the state EUR 550K yearly.
—4 min read
Consumer ProtectionEconomy
Belgium Mandates Faster Bank Refunds for Phishing Victims
Belgian Minister Rob Beenders proposes legislation forcing banks to reimburse phishing victims within one day, shifting burden of proof to banks.
—4 min read
ConsumerTechnology
CCTV Exposes Rigged Home Appliance Reviews in China
CCTV investigation reveals fraud in China's home appliance review industry, with rigged tests, sabotaged competitors, and paid comment manipulation.
—4 min read
Consumer SafetyInternational
Toxic Squishy Dumplings Expose EU Toy Safety Gaps
Carcinogenic substances in viral squishy dumpling toys raise questions about EU toy safety enforcement, CE marking, and online marketplace accountability.
—4 min read
FinanceLaw
Belgian Court Defines Gross Negligence in Phishing Ruling
Belgium's top court defines gross negligence in phishing cases, shifting burden to banks. Minister Beenders says banks must respect the law.
—4 min read
Consumer Protection
Cheap Sunscreens from Temu, Shein Fail Safety Tests
Consumer tests reveal 9 out of 10 cheap sunscreens from Temu, Shein, and AliExpress fail safety checks, offering little UV protection.
—4 min read
Consumer ProtectionEconomy
Belgium Bans Klarna and BNPL Services for Minors
Belgium bans Klarna and buy now, pay later apps for minors, closing a regulatory loophole and transposing the EU Consumer Credit Directive II.
—4 min read
Health & SafetyConsumer Protection
Toxic Squishy Dumpling Toys Spark Belgian Safety Scandal
Belgian toxicologist Jan Tytgat warns squishy dumpling toys contain carcinogenic substances found in crude oil, prompting major retailers to pull products.
—4 min read
Local GovernanceConsumer Protection
CCTV Exposé Triggers Crackdown on Truck Scale Fraud
After a CCTV exposé on illegal truck scale modifications in Ganzhou, Jiangxi, local authorities launched an overnight probe and special crackdown.
—3 min read
EducationConsumer Protection
China Clarifies New School Uniform Quality Regulations
China's Ministry of Education clarifies new school uniform quality regulations, addressing safety standards, voluntary purchasing, and parental oversight.
—4 min read
Consumer ProtectionEconomy
China Consumer Association Warns on Fitness Prepayment Risks
China Consumer Association issues fitness prepayment warning with 'Three Checks, Two Don'ts' guideline and trust-based fund supervision model.
—5 min read
Society & CultureEconomy
Sichuan Hotel Price Hikes During Exam Spark Regulatory Row
A Sichuan hotel raised prices during civil service exams. Regulators say they can't cap prices, reigniting debate on price gouging in China.
—4 min read
BusinessRegulation
China's Jade Hub Bans Deceptive Live-Streaming Tactics
China's Yunnan Dehong Prefecture bans scripted marketing in jewelry live-streaming, targeting deceptive 'sob story' tactics that exploited fake actors.
—5 min read
Consumer ProtectionEconomy
Belgium Bans Fake Energy Discounts in Consumer Crackdown
Belgian parliament unanimously approves ban on misleading energy discounts targeting deceptive pricing that costs households up to €700 yearly.
—5 min read
FinanceConsumer Protection
Belgium Warns Against Five Suspicious Investment Firms
Belgium's FSMA warns consumers against five unauthorized investment companies offering fraudulent opportunities in wine, energy, and real estate.
—4 min read
EconomyTechnology
Hidden Parking App Fees Trigger Belgian Government Probe
Belgium investigates parking apps 4411, EasyPark, Seety, and Yellowbrick over hidden fees and lack of price transparency.
—4 min read
Legal & RegulationTechnology
China Cracks Down on Fake Online Reviews With New Rules
China introduces landmark regulations targeting fake online product reviews, requiring disclosure of commercial ties and banning biased comparisons.
—5 min read
Consumer & Society
Why Most Scam Victims Never Report It to Police
New polling shows 58% of Americans face daily scam attempts, yet few report them. Embarrassment and confusion drive a $15.9 billion underreporting crisis.
—5 min read
TechnologyEconomy
TikTok Shop Arrives in Belgium: What Users Need to Know
TikTok Shop has launched in Belgium, letting users buy products directly in the app. We break down how it works, the risks, and expert warnings.
—4 min read
Consumer ProtectionEconomy
China Issues Jewelry and Precious Metals Fraud Warning
China's consumer watchdog warns on precious metals, jewelry, and jade fraud, revealing 19,421 complaints and deceptive livestreaming practices.
—4 min read
TechnologyEconomy
TikTok Shop Arrives in Belgium: A New Era of Impulse Buying
TikTok Shop launches in Belgium, enabling in-app purchases. Experts warn of impulse buying risks, data privacy concerns, and youth vulnerability.
—4 min read
RegulationTechnology
China Regulators Summon Trip.com, Meituan Over Ticket Sales
Chinese regulators summoned Trip.com, Meituan and five other platforms over deceptive train ticket sales and data privacy violations.
—4 min read
SocietyLaw
Gold Returned, Platforms Probed, Vendor Probed in China
Three China stories on legal rights: man recovers 2,859g gold after 30 years, regulators target train ticket platforms, and a viral vendor is investigated.
—5 min read
Business & EconomyTechnology
China Fines Ctrip and Six Other Train Ticket Platforms
Chinese regulators summoned Ctrip, Tongcheng, Qunar, Fliggy, Meituan and others for deceptive ticket sales, paid seat selection, and data privacy issues.
—4 min read
TechnologySecurity
AI Voice Scams Target One in Four US Adults, New Data Shows
One in four US adults have been targeted by AI voice scams that clone loved ones' voices. New data reveals $893M lost and how to protect your family.
—5 min read
ConsumerFinance
New Scam Bypasses Bank Name Checks: Belgian Consumers Warned
Fraudsters are bypassing mandatory IBAN-name checks on bank transfers using payment requests and links. Belgian consumers face new financial fraud risks.
—4 min read
PolicySociety
China Bans 'Must-Buy' and 'Avoid' Marketing Terms in Ads
China bans exaggerated marketing phrases like 'must-buy' and 'avoid' in online reviews, targeting fake reviews and misleading ads.
—5 min read
TechnologyRegulation
China Cracks Down on Misleading App Pop-Up Redirects
China's MIIT issues new guidelines targeting intrusive app pop-up ads and shake-to-open redirects, threatening app removal for non-compliance.
—4 min read
FinanceConsumer Protection
Belgian Panel Urges Banks to Create Fraud Compensation Fund
A Belgian citizen panel recommends banks create a joint fund for fraud victims, funded by bank profits, amid growing pressure from courts and regulators.
—4 min read
TechnologySafety
AI Voice Scams Mimicking Loved Ones Target 1 in 4 Americans
AI voice cloning scams are surging: 1 in 4 Americans targeted, 77% of victims lost money. Learn how scammers clone voices and protect your family.
—5 min read
Consumer ProtectionTechnology
China Cracks Down on Parking QR Code Pop-Up Scams
Chinese regulators target intrusive parking QR code ads that trick drivers into unwanted subscriptions, with cities like Chengdu leading new crackdowns.
—4 min read
JusticeFinance
Belgian Banks Ordered to Compensate Phishing Victims
A Belgian court orders banks to immediately reimburse phishing victims, shifting the burden of proof and setting a landmark consumer protection precedent.
—4 min read
EU RegulationFinance
EU Targets 'Finfluenceurs': New Rules to Curb Online Fraud
The European Parliament adopted a landmark resolution calling for EU-wide standards to regulate financial influencers and protect consumers from fraud.
—5 min read
Public Safety & RegulationChina
China Tightens Public Safety and Data Protection Efforts
China reports progress on hotel hygiene fines, Beijing helmet law at 92.5% compliance, and a cyber police crackdown on illegal e-commerce registrations.
—4 min read
LegalFinance
Belgian Court: Banks Must Compensate Phishing Victims Now
A Belgian court ruled banks must immediately refund phishing victims, shifting the burden of proof onto financial institutions in a landmark decision.
—5 min read
HealthcareChina
Inner Mongolia Pharmacy Sold Drug at 40x Markup
A pharmacy in Hohhot sold a national procurement drug at 3,960 yuan — nearly 40 times the market price — even after suppliers cut prices.
—5 min read
Society & CultureEconomy
Ghost Takeout Crisis: Record Fine Exposes Regulatory Gaps
China's investigation uncovered 67,604 ghost kitchens on major delivery platforms, leading to a record 35.97 billion yuan fine and new food safety rules.
—6 min read
HealthConsumer Protection
Belgium's Supplement Market: Who Will Intervene?
A De Morgen investigation exposes gaps in Belgium's supplement regulation, sparking debate over enforcement, influencer marketing, and consumer protection.
—5 min read
TechnologyE-Commerce
TikTok Shop Launches in Belgium: Social Commerce Arrives
TikTok Shop arrives in Belgium on June 15, letting users buy products directly in the app. Consumer groups warn of impulse buying risks for young people.
—4 min read
Society & Regulation
Belgium's June 1 Reforms: Plain Tobacco, Auto Refunds
Belgium's June 1 reforms expand plain tobacco packaging, automate service voucher refunds, extend HPV vaccine coverage, and more.
—4 min read
SocietyConsumer
China Cracks Down on Recruitment-to-Training Job Scams
China launches nationwide crackdown on 'recruitment-to-training' scams and illegal agencies exploiting job seekers with fake offers and costly loans.
—4 min read
EconomyLegislation
Belgium Must Overhaul Sales Law After Landmark EU Ruling
Belgian Council of State strikes down sales law as incompatible with EU directive, forcing a major legislative overhaul and ending old restrictions.
—4 min read
TechnologyBusiness
Trump Mobile T1 Phone Arrives 9 Months Late, Not US Made
NBC News review finds Trump Mobile's T1 phone arrived 9 months late, is a rebranded HTC phone from Taiwan, and has a flag with only 11 stripes.
—4 min read
SocietyRegulation
China Sets 'Red Lines' for Online Food Sales Safety
China's new online food sales regulations take effect, defining clear responsibilities for third-party platforms and sellers to boost food safety.
—5 min read
SocietyFood Safety
Fujian Bayberry Chemical Scandal: 5 Detained, 12 Cases Filed
China cracks down on Fujian bayberry scandal: 5 detained, 12 cases filed over illegal chemical use in fruit processing.
—4 min read
HealthEurope
Foodwatch Urges EU to Act on Banned Pesticides in Imports
Foodwatch reveals 76% of tested imported foods contain banned pesticide residues, calling on the EU to close regulatory loopholes and halt toxic trade.
—5 min read
TechnologySociety
AI-Generated Books Flood Belgian Shops Without Labels
Thousands of AI-generated books are sold on Belgian webshops without warning labels. Experts call for mandatory AI labeling as EU rules loom.
—5 min read