Investigations for Fraud and Embezzlement Against Head of 123-Transporter in Lower Austria
Currently, no vehicles can be reserved through 123-Transporter: "Due to technical problems, booking in Austria is currently not possible," reads the website of 123 Shared Mobility GmbH. The company is unreachable, but many consumers are still waiting for the refund of debited amounts, according to the AK Upper Austria. Affected individuals should demand the outstanding amounts in writing and request a refund of the amounts from the payment service provider. The AK Upper Austria provides sample letters. It was advised not to pay reduced amounts if they are not justified.
123-Transporter: Complaints about Deposits and Penalties
Since December 2022, 4,500 complaints about 123-Transporter have been received by the AK Upper Austria, according to a release on Thursday. This year, there have been a total of 3,305, with a peak in September with over 850 consultations. Affected individuals had deposits and/or penalties debited, for example, due to speeding or smoking in the vehicle.
123-Transporter did not clearly indicate the deposit (currently 500 or 1,000 euros depending on the rental period) before concluding the rental agreement, but only mentioned it in the 24-page General Terms and Conditions (GTC), according to the AK Upper Austria. Only afterwards was there further information about the deposit. As an alternative, the company offered a deposit waiver (non-refundable payment of 149 euros) or the so-called 123 Pro membership, which according to the GTC costs 67 euros monthly for a duration of two years. "Since vehicles cannot currently be booked through the website, the contract could be terminated due to lack of service readiness," stated the AK Upper Austria.
AK Criticizes Non-transparent and Disadvantageous Contract Clauses
Debits for excessive speeds (without traffic fines) or for smoking in the vehicle (per cigarette) are provided for in the GTC, but according to AK experts, they are "non-transparent and grossly disadvantageous - and therefore ineffective." According to AK Styria, the amounts were debited from the disclosed payment method, such as the checking account, without direct authorization from the customers. In several cases, the company was sued.
Following complaints, the hardware stores Obi and Hornbach in Austria are ending their cooperation with the rental company, which was founded in 2020, according to media reports. According to the consumer center, there were also disgruntled customers with the German branch of the company. In the neighboring country, the public prosecutor's office in Landshut, Bavaria, is reportedly investigating the managing director.
(APA/Red.)
This article has been automatically translated, read the original article here.