Latest news and stories about consumer rights in Lisbon, Lisboa, Portugal for expats and residents.
The artificial intelligence company Anthropic is facing a class action lawsuit in Portugal filed by the Citizens’ Voice – Consumer Defence Association. The legal action stems from the company's alleged failure to provide an electronic complaints book (Livro de Reclamações Eletrónico), a mandatory requirement for businesses operating within the national territory.
Portugal has launched the 'Volta' deposit return scheme, adding a 10-cent surcharge to plastic bottles and cans to boost recycling rates to 90% by 2029, though early public feedback highlights concerns over system efficiency and accessibility.
Recent severe storms in Portugal have caused extensive damage, prompting many families to seek insurance coverage, though policy limitations often leave them without the expected financial protection.
An analysis of the legal status of BacanaPlay in the Portuguese market, referencing license number 025.
Selling on Vinted is synonymous with demanding millimetric measurements for a two-euro bargain. Downtown Lisbon has turned into a replica for tourists, with Cristiano Ronaldo sardine tins sold at gold prices.
The company denies having eliminated cash following a challenge from an association. Only cards are accepted at staffed ticket offices, but automatic machines accept notes and coins.
The 21/26 Association -- For Personal Rights and Resistance contested today the decision by Transtejo Soflusa to only accept card payments at the assisted ticket offices of the Terreiro do Paço River Terminal in Lisbon.
DECO questioned this Friday the legality of the protocol that provides for fixed fares for taxis originating from Lisbon airport, considering that the measure may penalise consumers and limit the choice of using the taximeter. At issue is a cooperation and self-regulation protocol signed this Friday by taxi representative associations.
The Portuguese Association for Consumer Protection questions the legality of the protocol signed this Friday, which provides for fixed prices of 16 or 19 euros for daytime trips on weekdays.
The Portuguese Association of Insurers (APS) will hold an online course titled 'Unfair terms in insurance contracts' on September 15th, from 10:00 to 12:00. This training aims to explain the concept of unfair terms and help participants identify them within insurance contracts.
Manuel Castro Almeida stated that this reinforcement is part of the Government's commitment to strengthen the entity's operations through increased human and logistical resources, technological training, and infrastructure improvements.
A law firm will proceed in early September with a lawsuit in the administrative courts against EMEL, accusing the municipal company of enforcing parking regulations outside the zones and hours under its management and of promoting the coercive collection of fines it considers statute-barred. If successful, the decision could pave the way for requests for the refund of fines already paid. Lawyer Carlos Barroso explains the case.
A customer in Lisbon reports that staff at a Wells optician store used her Meta AI smart glasses to record videos and photos of themselves without her consent after she left the device there to have prescription lenses fitted. The incident, which the customer discovered via her synced mobile app, has sparked a debate on privacy and the growing concerns surrounding wearable recording technology. While the Wells chain claims no formal complaint has been filed and they have not seen the footage, the case highlights the increasing international scrutiny and bans on smart glasses in public and private spaces.
An unfortunate mix-up involving an out-of-order toilet led to an 11-year-old girl being ‘left behind’ during a Flixbus journey from Lisbon to Faro earlier this week. The story has made The post Bus driver leaves 11-year-old passenger behind; father ‘forced to drive 200 kms’ to collect her appeared first on Portugal Resident.
In operation for three months, specifically since April 10, the 'Volta' system allows consumers to recover the 10-cent deposit value per package paid at the time of purchasing single-use bottles and cans.
The Megadeth concert at the Evil Live festival, scheduled for this Sunday, was cancelled after half an hour of waiting at the Meo Arena, with the festival promoter, Prime Artists, promising “information soon”. The American group cites “technical problems” beyond their control. Conversely, the promoter told BLITZ that the show did not go ahead due to a decision by Megadeth. Deco states that a refund is due.
The band cancelled their concert at the Meo Arena while the audience had already been waiting for half an hour, citing 'technical problems'. Even in a festival context, a cancellation may entitle ticket holders to a refund.
Third part of the 'CM Investigation'.
Third part of 'Investigação CM'.
First part of 'Investigação CM'.
Figures revealed by the PSP refer to the period between January 1 and May 31 of this year
The customers' defence argues that EMEL does not allow the right to a defence regarding administrative offences.
Portal da Queixa reports that consumers were denied entry to the Bad Bunny concert at the Benfica stadium on May 26th due to tickets already having been used. Complaints point to scams on resale platforms like Viagogo and Bilheteja. With a second concert scheduled for May 27th, the platform warns of further risks, including invalid tickets, seat changes, and poor customer support. ASAE has arrested six people for ticket scalping as part of 'Operation Puerto Rico'.
The complainant told the Judiciary Police that she interacted with a woman via WhatsApp, resulting in the loss of money and goods.
Drivers were caught for the third time altering trip prices. Vehicles were seized.
A man sought help at the Judiciary Police headquarters after losing 250 euros on an online platform.
The Lisbon North Department of Investigation and Penal Action has opened an inquiry following one of the complaints filed in January by Portuguese victims of the British company.
