Throughout this year, the most sought-after services at the Municipal Consumer Information Office have been from electricity and telephone companies, as well as music and leisure festival organizers. As of now, there has been a 14% increase in the number of cases processed compared to last year. The Estepona City Council, through its Office of Consumer Information (OMIC), has addressed over 4,000 inquiries from dissatisfied users regarding services or products purchased from various companies. This platform allows citizens to report their issues and start a complaint or mediation process. By December 5, a total of 4,128 inquiries had been handled, marking a 3.6% increase from the previous year. These queries were received in person, over the phone, and online, all from individuals unhappy with company services or products. Once again, complaints against electricity and telephone companies dominated, making up 25% of all cases, joined this year by music and leisure festival promoters (12.28%), vehicle sellers and repair shops (11.55%), insurance providers (9.8%), online retailers (9.21%), banks (7.75%), and travel agencies and airlines (4.2%). So far, 689 complaint cases have been processed, showing a 13.81% rise from 2024. Councilor Cristina Cintrano, responsible for Commerce, emphasizes the importance of consumer awareness and the existence of the OMIC to inform citizens about their rights and protection under current laws. Consequently, 96 cases have been forwarded to relevant authorities like Consumer Arbitration Boards, the Bank of Spain, the Insurance Directorate, or the Aviation Safety Agency for resolution. Additionally, the City Council has mediated 623 cases through this office to safeguard consumer rights. The OMIC provides essential free information services, ensuring users have access to all available options to address potential infringements. You can find the Municipal Office of Consumer Information on the first floor of Estepona Town Hall. Face-to-face consultations are by appointment, which can be scheduled online at https://citaprevia.estepona.es or in person at the Town Hall entrance. For inquiries, contact 952809000 (extensions 1488 and 1323), or file a claim directly online with an electronic certificate through the e-headquarters.