Consumer protection: Lawsuit against Vodafone over price increases

Consumer protection: Lawsuit against Vodafone over price increases

The Federal Association of Consumer Organizations (VZBZ) has filed a class action lawsuit against Vodafone because of the price increase. Customers affected by the increase will have the opportunity to join the lawsuit. Participation in the lawsuit is free of charge. Vodafone increased the prices for internet and telephone contracts by five euros in 2023, which, according to the VZBZ, was unlawful because there was no legal basis for the price adjustment.

Ramona Pop, board member at VZBZ, announced that consumers could get money back directly if the procedure was successful. The VZBZ wants to ensure that customers are refunded the difference between the old and new prices since the price increase. Customers who then had to pay five euros more for their contracts since April 2023 could receive a total of 60 euros back for a period of twelve months.

There is a chance that the lawsuit will be successful, similar to past cases with other providers such as Netflix and Spotify. The Berlin Court of Appeal ruled in favor of the VZBZ as early as 2023 in similar cases in which customers had not agreed to adjust the prices. Customers who wish to register for the lawsuit should have their invoices and contract documents ready and check whether they have actively agreed to the price increase. As soon as they are entered in the lawsuit register of the Federal Office of Justice, they will be taken into account in the class action lawsuit.