The Panamanian Authority for Consumer Protection and Competition Defense (Acodeco) has launched a series of price monitoring for various items, anticipating the intense shopping season that includes Black Friday and December celebrations. These monitoring efforts aim to promote competition among economic agents, which can translate into lower prices for consumers. A more competitive market typically generates lower prices and direct benefits for buyers. Acodeco extends an invitation to all consumers and economic agents in the country to visit its digital platform to learn and use these price surveys as a supporting tool in their commercial transactions. The initial surveys are available for public consultation on the entity's official website, within the 'Statistics and Prices (special surveys)' section. The first price surveys focus on high-demand electronic items, including computers, tablets, cell phones, and televisions. It is crucial that the details of promotions are thoroughly reviewed before making any payment. Additionally, the entity strongly recommends that consumers demand and keep the invoice, warranty certificate, and copies of the offer advertisements. Acodeco's verification operation focuses on compliance with Law 45 of 2007, ensuring that the advertising of offers is clear, truthful, and with the availability of a minimum number of units. The objective of this initiative is to guarantee that the promotions and offers announced by commercial establishments are clear, verifiable, and strictly comply with the legal provisions that protect consumer rights. The verification work focuses on compliance with Law 45 of 2007, which regulates special sales, including discounts, markdowns, and liquidations. Key points of the verification: The operation focuses on three fundamental aspects within commercial establishments: Clear and truthful advertising; Visible and correct prices; Correction of errors. Acodeco reiterates the importance of consumers staying alert and verifying advertisements at the time of making their purchases. Consumers can also contact the institution through its social media (@AcodecoPma on Facebook and X) and its website. To expedite the investigation, it is recommended to attach a photograph of the advertisement or sign related to the reported offer. For filing complaints or inquiries, Acodeco makes the Sindi system available to citizens, which operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, via WhatsApp and Telegram at the number 6330-3333. These documents are considered essential and constitute the fundamental proof necessary to file any complaint in case of detecting irregularities.
