Os principais direitos do consumidor previstos no Código de Defesa do Consumidor.

It is important for everyone to know their rights so that they can be protected and have their interests safeguarded. The Consumer Protection Code (CDC), a 1990 law that regulates consumer relations in Brazil, is considered one of the most advanced legislations in the world and guarantees several rights to citizens.

However, a considerable portion of Brazilians doesn’t know this law and what it protects. In an interview with Terra Portal, Luciana Roberto di Berardini, a lawyer and specialist in Consumer Law, separated the five main problems that can be solved with the use of the code. Knowing about them is essential so that people can demand that their rights are respected and report abusive practices.

According to the lawyer, these issues are the target of most lawsuits, according to the National Council of Justice. The actions reach approximately one million annually, showing that these are the most recurrent issues that the population faces.

The first of them is the improper insertion of someone’s name in the defaulters’ database. The occurrence of this infraction happens when there is a mistaken inclusion of the consumer’s name on the Serasa’s defaulters’ list, resulting in a negative situation. This can occur due to various factors, such as a mistake made by the company or an undue charge.

Luciana explains that the citizen can seek justice through a lawsuit for moral damages.

The second most common problem involves consigned loans. The financial institution that grants the credit can take advantage of the individual’s fragile situation and make access to information difficult throughout the process. So the person may end up paying high installments, exceeding even the limit established by law. This way, they become indebted.

The Consumer Protection Code ensures the right to information, as well as this issue of fragility, through the paragraphs that emphasize the principle of information and the principle of the consumer’s vulnerability.

Another recurring problem on this list concerns contract termination and money reimbursement. This is when the citizen is dissatisfied with the product purchased and seeks to resolve the situation with the company, which, in turn, has the duty to reimburse the person according to the criteria established by the code.

The fourth issue on this list concerns abusive practices committed by providers of products and services, such as delivering something that the customer has not requested, refusing to provide service or raising the value of a product without justification. In these situations, the population can appeal.

Finally, the most frequent issue is related to consumers’ rights concerning the supply of electricity. Any citizen who feels harmed by the lack of electricity, whether for natural or non-natural reasons, can go after their rights with Procon and the justice system.

Knowing one’s rights and reporting abusive practices is an essential step in ensuring that citizens are protected and has their interests safeguarded. It’s essential to be aware of the Consumer Protection Code and everything it guarantees to each citizen, so that everyone can demand their rights and guarantee their protection.