Businesses will be penalized for paying with a credit card

The National Institute for the Protection of Consumer Rights (Pro Consumer) warned today that the practice of some commercial establishments of charging commission or surplus to users who pay with credit cards, for which he announced that businesses that incur in this irregularity to the detriment of the pockets of the consumers.

In this sense, the executive director of Pro Consumer, Eddy Alcántara, said that as of February 1 they will be carrying out operations to detect establishments that incur in this irregularity of charging commission when paid with credit card, in some cases between 5% and 18% above the total value of the purchase or service, “to proceed immediately to be sanctioned, including the risk of being temporarily or permanently closed in case of recidivism”.

In a press release, he argued that these businesses violate the provisions of Law 358-05 on consumer protection, “whose prohibition is set forth in article 87, which states that prices may not be modified depending on the means of payment used.” .

“We are not going to allow any consumer to be scammed with improper charges for using the credit card in establishments”Eddy AlcantaraDirector of Pro Consumer“

Alcántara stated that this institution has been receiving constant complaints from businesses “that incur in this illegal, arbitrary and unfair practice to the detriment of the consumers“.

The official specified that they will apply drastic sanctions established by the norm that protects the rights of consumers to businesses that are determined to be charging commissions or surpluses above the total amount of the purchase for the sole fact of paying with credit card.

Director of Pro Consumer he exhorted the consumers affected by this practice to file their complaints with the entity, submitting invoices and proof of the charge to the credit card, what he said will serve as evidence to support the claim.

Finally, he stated that the same regulation that creates the entity that defends consumers It establishes a series of responsibilities and obligations in charge of the suppliers, whose non-compliance is considered infractions in the matter of consumption.