The Cypriot Consumers' Association has reported a continuous increase in the number of complaints submitted, as announced on Monday.

According to the Association's statement, in 2023 there were a total of 2,152 complaints, compared to 1,485 in 2022, marking a significant increase of 44.9%. The four categories with the highest increase, compared to 2022, include 'return policies' with a 166% increase, 'frauds through electronic messages' with 161%, complaints regarding 'cost of living' with 148%, and 'online scams' with 111%.

Specifically, for online scams (phantom companies), there were 93 complaints in 2023, up from 44 in 2022 (111.4% increase). Regarding pricing discrepancies and differences in shelf and cashier prices, 270 complaints were filed in 2023 compared to 165 in 2022 (63.6% increase). For cost of living issues, 221 complaints were submitted in 2023, up from 89 in 2022 (148.3% increase). For email frauds using various business names, etc., there were 47 complaints in 2023 compared to 18 in 2022 (161.1% increase). Regarding product warranties, 473 complaints were submitted in 2023, up from 339 in 2022 (39.5% increase). For unfair commercial practices, there were 110 complaints in 2023 compared to 98 in 2022 (12.2% increase).

Additionally, for abusive terms in consumer contracts, there were 42 complaints in 2023, up from 39 in 2022 (7.7% increase). Regarding return policies, 343 complaints were filed in 2023, compared to 129 in 2022 (165.9% increase). For flight cancellations/delays/denied boarding/baggage mishandling, there were 200 complaints in 2023, up from 144 in 2022 (38.9% increase). Also, for food safety, there were 51 complaints in 2023, down from 56 in 2022 (8.9% decrease). For energy-related issues (Grant Plans for Renewable Energy Sources, Electricity Authority of Cyprus, etc.), there were 57 complaints in 2023, up from 38 in 2022 (50% increase). Other complaints in 2023 totaled 245, down from 326 in 2022 (24.8% decrease).

In total, there were 2,152 complaints in 2023 compared to 1,485 in 2022, an increase of 44.9%.

The total number of written complaints in 2023 was 763, compared to 709 in 2022, an increase of 7.6%.

The total number of phone complaints in 2023 was 1,389, compared to 776 in 2022, an increase of 79%.