• President of UOKiK Tomasz Chróstny imposed over PLN 114 thousand fine on Quantumlive company.
• The company invited consumers to sales presentations under the pretext of research, which in fact were of no medical value.
• This is yet another decision about crooked demonstrations.

Older consumers are often exposed to unfair practices at presentations combined with selling. Traders take advantage of their health problems. President of UOKiK Tomasz fined Quantumlive, a company that runs sales in such a manner.

The company invites to meetings, during which free diagnostic tests with AM Scan or R. Voll method are to take place. However, AM Scan is not a medical device intended for the assessment of health condition, and those performing the alleged tests are not authorized to perform diagnostic tests. Only after the 'test' are consumers informed in writing that the result cannot reflect the actual state of health and does not replace medical examination. The dealers also present them with an offer to purchase magnetotherapy equipment.

“Sales presentations, which are organized under the pretext of free medical examinations, are often attended by elderly people with health issues. They can be easily manipulated and persuaded to purchase products that would allegedly help them. It is not acceptable to invite consumers to pseudo-researchs, which in fact have no diagnostic value whatsoever. This is yet another decision about crooked sales demonstrations. We will continue to monitor such practices and prosecute rogue companies,” stresses Tomasz Chróstny, the President of UOKiK.

The President of the Competition Authority has therefore concluded that Quantumlive was guilty of infringement of the collective interests of consumers by misleading them over the telephone invitations. The company was fined over PLN 114,000 (PLN 114,087) and ordered to discontinue the contested practices.

Consumer, stay cautious at presentations!

• If you are going to attend a presentation, remember that this is usually a trade show aimed to convince you to buy a product.
• When you receive an invitation to a meeting or a free examination, determine whether any goods or services will be offered there. Remember - there is nothing for free!
• Beware of "promotions", unique offers, when the seller says you have to make a decision right now, because the opportunity will not happen again - do not act under time pressure.
• Ask yourself whether the offer is really attractive.
• Do not present your ID card to anyone.
• Read contracts carefully, consult decisions with someone close to you.
• Do not take out a loan to buy equipment at the show, do not agree to visit bank with the seller.
• Remember you have 14 days to withdraw from a contract concluded outside the business premises.
• If you face any problems, seek help from a consumer ombudsman.

Consumer support:

Phone: +48 801 440 220 or +48 22 290 89 16 – consumer helpline
e-mail: porady@dlakonsumentow.pl
Consumer ombudsmen – in your town or district
Regional Consumer Centres: Phone: +48 22 299 60 90 – Dlakonsumenta.pl
Office of Electronic Communications - Consumer Information Centre – 22 330 40 00

Additional information for the media:

UOKiK Press Office
Pl. Powstańców Warszawy 1, 00-950 Warszawa, Poland
Phone +48 695 902 088, +48 22 55 60 246
E-mail: biuroprasowe@uokik.gov.pl
Twitter: @UOKiKgovPL