Consumer protection: Court ruling against Berliner Sparkasse

Consumer protection: Court ruling against Berliner Sparkasse

Berliner Sparkasse has suffered a defeat in court because it implemented unannounced cost increases without customer consent. The Federal Association of Consumer Organizations had filed a lawsuit against this approach, which has now led to a decision in favor of the customers. Customers now have the opportunity to claim money back.

Berliner Sparkasse had increased the costs several times without obtaining active consent from customers. This led to consumer advocates filing a class action lawsuit involving around 1,200 customers. Although the court accepted that the claims had expired, consumer advocates are considering an appeal.

The ruling could also impact customers of other banks that have implemented similar unannounced cost increases. This affected, among others, Postbank, Deutsche Bank, ING Diba, Commerzbank and Sparkasse Ulm. Customers should review their statements from January 2018 to determine whether they were affected by unauthorized fee increases. The consumer advice center offers a sample letter that customers can use to request a refund.

Niels Nauhauser from the Baden-Württemberg consumer advice center emphasized that the fee increases of the past few years were invalid and that customers can demand the money back from their bank. It is important for customers to check the price schedule in effect when opening the account to determine whether they are entitled to any refunds.