The executive director of the National Institute for the Protection of Consumer Rights (Pro Consumer), Eddy Alcantarareported that businesses in Greater Santo Domingo have been sanctioned in recent days for charging a commission or extraordinary payment for the use of credit card and debit.
Among the sanctioned businesses are beauty salons, liquor stores, restaurants, tourism businesses, among others.
Alcantara explained that the sanctions imposed on these establishments for incurring in this “illegal and abusive” practice, have been fines ranging from five to 50 minimum wages, according to the seriousness found as established by Law 358-05.
He recalled that this same regulation, in article 87, states that prices may not be modified depending on the means of payment used, as well as a series of responsibilities and obligations in charge of suppliers, whose non-compliance is considered consumer infractions. .
“Since the operations began to persecute businesses that engage in this practice to the detriment of consumers, businesses in the National District and Santo Domingo have been sanctioned,” said the official.
He said that the entity will continue with the inspections in an attempt to eradicate this practice.
Alcántara met yesterday with the main directors of the National Council of Trade in Provisions (CNCP), at the institution’s headquarters.
Alcántara urged merchants throughout the national territory to discontinue the practice after the announcement made by Pro Consumidor, that it will prosecute and punish anyone who charges extraordinary fees for the use of credit and debit cards. In addition, he called clients to denounce this practice in the institution.
