Telecommunications, Banks, and Financial Institutions Stir Consumer Discontent in Alicante

Telecommunication services, banks, and financial institutions form the trinity of consumer complaints and grievances in the province of Alicante. This is reflected in the 2024 Consumer Report, annually prepared by the Department of Innovation, Industry, Commerce, and Tourism.

Last year, 2,375 complaints were filed in the province for consumer-related reasons, marking a 5.14% increase from the previous year. However, complaints decreased by 11.76% to 439.

In total, 936 telecommunication complaints were filed in the Valencian Community in 2024, along with 835 related to banks and financial institutions. Transport ranks next, with 736 complaints. These three sectors account for nearly a quarter (23.4%) of all complaints filed with the Administration.

Conversely, the sectors generating the fewest consumer complaints include cleaning products (6 cases), dry cleaners (26), and computer equipment (27).

The Director General of Commerce, Crafts, and Consumption, Maribel Sáez, highlighted that "the data from this Report also shows greater public awareness, as the inquiries handled increased by 9.17%, while arbitration requests fell by 25%."

In absolute terms, last year, 9,480 inquiries or information requests were handled throughout the Valencian Community, with 4,829 in Valencia, 3,327 in Castellón, and 1,324 in Alicante. Meanwhile, arbitration boards received 1,970 intervention requests, a quarter less than in 2023.