Photo: ICPonline
- Next Article Heatwave triggers sharp rise in drownings and water emergencies across Finland
A growing number of Finnish consumers are being targeted with unjustified or expired payment claims through summary civil cases, according to a new report by the Finnish Competition and Consumer Authority (FCCA).
Each year, thousands of claims are pushed through this fast-track court procedure, often without proper verification, leaving recipients vulnerable to sudden debt enforcement.
Sami Asujamaa, who runs a property management firm, discovered funds missing from his company’s account after the National Enforcement Authority Finland collected a payment for a fire inspection. The invoice, however, had nothing to do with his company.
“We never received the invoice or any explanation. The money just vanished,” Asujamaa said. The original recipient of the bill was a defunct company, but the charge had been redirected to Asujamaa’s firm without inquiry.
He contacted the enforcement authority, which told him it only executes payments and does not verify responsibility. Though he was later reimbursed, Asujamaa called the process alarming. “It’s worrying how easily payments can go into enforcement without checking who’s liable.”
Summary civil cases are resolved in writing when there is no response from the defendant. In many cases, courts approve claims automatically, regardless of whether they are disputed, outdated, or unclear.
Paula Hannula, head of unit at the FCCA, said this legal mechanism is widely misused.
“The court doesn’t examine whether the claim is valid or expired. If the consumer doesn’t respond, the court simply issues a judgment,” Hannula said.
The FCCA’s report states that consumers are routinely hit with dubious claims involving vague subscriptions, inflated credit charges, or contested service bills. Debt collectors and companies are accused of knowingly using this process to bypass normal scrutiny.
Legal costs often deter consumers from contesting these claims. Fear of being liable for the opposing side’s legal fees prevents many from seeking a hearing.
“Some consumers may need legal advice just to understand if the claim is even valid,” Hannula said. “Those already in debt are especially likely to give up responding.”
The FCCA has called for changes to the law. It wants debt summonses to be more clearly worded so recipients understand the nature of the claim and whether it is already time-barred. The agency also wants courts to assess each claim more thoroughly and for court fees to be made more accessible.
“In all the cases where we’ve helped a consumer challenge a claim in court, the result has been in their favour,” Hannula said. “That shows how often these claims are unfounded.”
The report also recommends penalties for companies that misuse the summary claims process.
“Right now, there are no consequences if a business tries to push through a disputed claim, even if it’s clearly unjustified,” Hannula said.
HT
- Next Article Heatwave triggers sharp rise in drownings and water emergencies across Finland
Source: www.helsinkitimes.fi
