What are my rights if I have been scammed online?
May 26, 2024 | 40,00 EUR | answered by Piotr Gehrmann
Dear Lawyers,
I am reaching out to you today because I have become a victim of online fraud and I am unsure of what rights I have in this situation. My name is Jessica Wolf and recently I purchased an item on an online platform that turned out to be of inferior quality and faulty. I have tried to contact the seller to address my complaints, but they have not responded and have refused to refund the purchase price.
I am very concerned that I have lost my money and do not know how to legally defend myself against this. I have attempted to contact the seller again and request a refund, but without success. Therefore, I am wondering what legal steps I can take now to protect my rights as a consumer and to get my money back.
Could you please explain to me what rights I have in this situation and what legal options are available to me to take action against the fraudulent seller? Is there a way to contest the purchase contract or to sue the seller for damages? I would greatly appreciate your assistance in this difficult situation.
Thank you in advance for your support.
Sincerely,
Jessica Wolf
Dear Mrs. Wolf,
I understand your situation and would like to help you further. If you have become a victim of online fraud, as a consumer you have certain rights that can help you recover your money and hold the fraudulent seller accountable.
First and foremost, it is important that you try to contact the seller again and submit a written complaint. Request a refund of the purchase price and set a reasonable deadline for repayment. If the seller continues to not respond or refuses, you can take further legal action.
In such cases, it is advisable to contact a consumer protection agency or a lawyer who can assist you in enforcing your rights. You can challenge the purchase agreement if the seller has delivered faulty goods or made false statements. In this case, you can demand a cancellation of the contract and a refund of the purchase price.
Furthermore, you can also claim damages if you have suffered a financial loss due to the fraudulent seller. However, you should be aware that the burden of proof is on you and you must demonstrate that you have suffered a loss.
It is important that you carefully keep and document all documents and communication with the seller to support your claims. The more evidence you have, the better your chances of enforcing your rights as a consumer.
I strongly recommend that you seek advice from a lawyer specializing in consumer law who can help you take the necessary legal steps to take action against the fraudulent seller. Together, you can develop a strategy to recover your money and limit your damages.
I hope that my response helps you and wish you success in asserting your rights as a consumer. If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Best regards,
Piotr Gehrmann
