The Cabinet this month endorsed a bill to create a new system to help consumers suffering financial damage from malicious sales and business practices. The new bill would allow consumer organizations to file lawsuits against businesses that cheat, swindle or otherwise harm consumers.
Currently, they can only ask businesses to stop harmful practices through lawsuits. On top of that, the new bill will allow them to file lawsuits to get compensation or to retrieve unjust profits gained by businesses. The added strength to launch litigation with real consequences is long overdue.
Until now, consumers who entered into contracts for services such as English lessons or aesthetic treatments had a hard time canceling or changing their contracts. Many businesses would simply ignore attempts to change or cancel contracts, though legally consumers are allowed to do so. If the company refused, the only recourse for those customers would be to hire a lawyer, which could be more expensive than the refund. Most consumers would have to give up and resign themselves to being cheated.