A. M. 
The Defensoría del Consumidor closed 2025 with an unprecedented figure in its institutional history: US$57.3 million recovered for 329,000 consumers, the result of mediation processes, inspections, handling of complaints, and collective cases in various sectors of the economy.
The agency’s president, Ricardo Salazar, highlighted that this amount represents the highest recovery level ever achieved by the agency, reflecting (as he explained) greater effectiveness in managing consumer disputes, primarily related to improper charges, breaches of contract, product and service quality defects, and unfulfilled warranties.
Real estate sector leads recoveries
Of the total recovered, more than US$42 million corresponds to the real estate sector, benefiting more than 18,100 people. In this area, cases related to property titles, breaches of purchase and sale contracts, and delays in the delivery of housing projects stand out.
The Defensoría has prioritized collective cases, which allow for the protection of large groups of consumers affected by the same practice, accelerating solutions and broadening the impact of the rulings.
Recoveries in the financial system
The second largest sector in terms of recovered funds was the financial sector, with over US$9.2 million refunded to 10,832 consumers.
The main irregularities detected included:
Improper commission charges.
Incorrect application of interest.
Unauthorized charges on financial products.
The agency explained that in several cases, improper charges were identified and subsequently refunded following administrative intervention.
Guarantees and general consumer protection
Regarding warranty breaches, the Defensoría recovered over $1.3 million, resolving more than 825 individual cases. These cases involved purchases of appliances, vehicles, homes, and products bought at supermarkets and retail stores.
The agency explained that timely action allowed consumers to obtain repairs, product exchanges, or refunds, depending on the situation.
Increased controls and verifications
This record result is complemented by strengthened inspections nationwide. Throughout the year, more than 376 verifications were carried out in various commercial sectors to ensure compliance with consumer protection regulations.
During peak economic seasons, such as the start of the school year or shopping holidays like february 14th, the Defensoría launched special operations to monitor prices, promotions, visible information, and warranty compliance.
Furthermore, the institution highlighted the importance of complying with the “price in sight” rule, a mandatory provision for all businesses, key to avoiding discretionary pricing and protecting both domestic consumers and foreign visitors.
Greater institutional impact
The record US$57.3 million recovered not only represents an increase in the amount refunded, but also a greater social reach, benefiting hundreds of thousands of consumers.
According to the Defensoría, these results demonstrate a strengthening of its mediation and oversight mechanisms, as well as a greater culture of reporting among the population.
With these figures, the agency consolidates 2025 as the year of greatest economic recovery in the defense of consumer rights in El Salvador.
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