Consumer protection against Vodafone: Free participation in the lawsuit

Consumer protection against Vodafone: Free participation in the lawsuit

The Federal Association of Consumer Organizations (VZBZ) has initiated a class action lawsuit against Vodafone because customers have had to pay five euros more for their internet and telephone contracts since 2023, without a sufficient legal basis. In response, affected consumers can join the lawsuit, and participation is free. Ramona Pop, board member of the VZBZ, explains that if the lawsuit is successful, customers could receive money back directly. Similar cases at Netflix and Spotify have shown that there is a chance of success when customers have not agreed to price increases.

The class action lawsuit is aimed at Vodafone customers who are affected by the above-mentioned price increase and who have concluded landline or internet contracts with certain Vodafone companies - mobile phone contracts are excluded. In order to join the lawsuit, customers must check their eligibility and register in the lawsuit register of the Federal Office of Justice. After registration, the customer receives a confirmation and a business reference.

It remains unclear how much money Vodafone would have to refund in the event of a successful class action lawsuit. Around ten million customers were affected by the price increase, which may have occurred without active consent. Customers who have had to pay the additional five euros per month since April 2023 could get a total of 60 euros back over a twelve-month period. In addition to Vodafone, the energy company EON is also the subject of a class action lawsuit in which customers may be able to claim thousands of euros back due to unfair heating surcharges.