Have you received a text message or phone call inviting you to go to a furniture store to collect a gift? Beware of scams!
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The principle of this scam is simple: a seller contacts you by phone, tells you that you have just won a gift and that you simply have to come and collect it in store.
The prizes are varied and tempting, such as gift certificates, gift baskets and even trips! But be careful not to come across a scam.
Once in the store, the sellers strongly encourage you to buy other things, most often furniture, at very high prices.
The Aude Departmental Directorate for Population Protection warns against these practices:
“This type of process constitutes the preferred mode of operation of certain ephemeral furniture companies, known for targeting the elderly and resorting to deceptive and particularly aggressive commercial practices.”
The tactic is simple, lure the customer, promise them gifts and discounts. And finally make him buy furniture at 3 times the market price, for example by offering a piece of furniture for 1,800 euros, when it is barely worth 600.
“To attract their victims, these salespeople promise gifts or free meals, invite their target to take advantage of exceptional promotions or participate in lotteries. Some people unfortunately let themselves be trapped by free access. But these entertainments have little value compared to the thousands of euros that can be stolen” specifies the press release from the Prefecture.
To combat these practices, the DGCCRF (Directorate General for Competition, Consumer Affairs and Fraud Prevention) recommends several practices. Among them, not rushing into an offer, thinking about and comparing prices with those of other brands, not accepting same-day delivery, submitting your withdrawal request to the company's headquarters, not not give in to pressure from sellers who do not have the right to refuse the cancellation of a sale.
If you ordered from one of these pop-up stores and change your mind, know that the law protects you. The seller does not have the right to collect your money for seven days following the sale, during this period you can withdraw. To do this, simply send the withdrawal slip provided with your order form.
Any consumer who considers themselves a victim of such practices can report it on the signal conso website.
