A. M. 
The President of the Defensoría del Consumidor, Ricardo Salazar, informed that 14% of the more than 1,000 stores inspected during the school supplies shopping season presented irregularities, such as excessive charges or defective products.
These verifications seek to protect consumers against possible abuses in a key period for salvadoran families. The institution carries out constant inspections throughout the country to ensure that businesses respect the rights of buyers.
According to Salazar, efforts are focused on preventing unfair prices and ensuring that products meet quality standards. These actions are part of a comprehensive operation that includes everything from school supplies to financial services.
In addition to visible inspections, the Defensoría del Consumidor inspectors act as undercover consumers, simulating purchases to detect illicit practices. “In this way we can identify anomalies directly in the purchase and sale process”, detailed Salazar, who also highlighted that these practices have allowed detecting defective notebooks and other items in bad condition.
The official recommended families to carefully check school supplies before purchasing them. “We have received complaints about damaged items. A prior check can avoid later problems”, he said. He also pointed out that compliance with the law extends to other sectors, such as telecommunications and household appliances.
In a recent case, 21 of 200 scales inspected nationwide did not meet the required standards, which reinforces the importance of the operations. The Defensoría del Consumidor continues to work to ensure that businesses act in a fair and transparent manner, guaranteeing the protection of consumers in El Salvador.
