Overview

• Consumer centers report that 83% of cases involve problems ending contracts and 52% of complainants still await repayment despite timely returns, sometimes with receipt confirmations.
• Shoppers describe unanswered emails, WhatsApp messages, and calls, with some receiving only automated requests for patience instead of refunds.
• Authorities first cautioned the public in March 2025, and recent data show the situation has intensified rather than improved.
• The Verbraucherzentrale advises documenting returns, setting a written 14‑day deadline for repayment, and seeking assistance from consumer centers if the retailer does not respond.
• The coverage does not cite a substantive response from DefShop or any regulatory enforcement outcome at this stage.