The DGCCRF has just launched its SignalConso platform, which makes it possible to report scams and fraud and even presents a section dedicated to automatic increases in the telecoms operators’ packages.
This is the new fad at SFR, Orange and Bouygues: automatically increasing the plans of certain subscribers in exchange for changes in their offers. If the practice is not in itself illegal, it is strongly criticized in particular by consumer associations. It will thus be possible to report this type of increase directly to the Directorate General for Competition, Consumption and Fraud Prevention with a new platform launched everywhere in France today: SignalConso.
Available on a dedicated site (https://signal.conso.gouv.fr/), this platform allows consumers to report any fraud, scam or other “situations which can have serious consequences on the purchasing power or the health of consumers ”. After reporting, the consumer will be advised on what to do and how to react to the situation to which he has been exposed. And a section is dedicated to telephone / internet services, with even a part for automatic increases in plans!
Rate increases: how to report them on SignalConso
After going to the new platform, just choose the appropriate domain, so by clicking on “telephony” in the list of categories. It will of course be asked to clarify that this is a concern related to telephony.
Then, you can scroll through the description of your concern to detail and clarify your case. Here for example in the case of an increase in package.
Moreover, it can be noted that each of the cases listed in this form has been applied by at least one of the three operators mentioned above.
Then, depending on your problem, you may be redirected to two types of pages. The first, for example with the increase in speed or available data, will tell you that this is not a fraud and that you have only two choices: cancel your subscription or accept the increase. The DGCCRF specifies that if the operator has warned you by email or by mail a month before and that it is only a question of improving your telephone plan, it is within its rights. However, your operator cannot increase your plan for any other reason, such as an additional TV channel, a book option or even a cyber security option.
If you are affected by this last scenario for example, you will then be directed to a form to report your problem in more detail and identify the company concerned. This report will then be read by the Fraud Prevention Office and then sent to the operator concerned. In a statement, the authority said that “SignalConso will allow DGCCRF agents to focus their action on the most damaging shortcomings and on professionals least inclined to correct their practices.“. This will make it easier for businesses that have received multiple reports to find out about the institution. Beware of bad students therefore!
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