• UOKiK warns: watch out for bogus loan services
• GELDOR Artur Karwot business entity runs at least 81 of such services.
• In spite of appearances, it does not offer loans but it collects personal data and charges non-returnable fees instead.

Office of Competition and Consumer Protection has released the warning against GELDOR Artur Karwot business entity from Rybnik. Its operations are likely to expose many people to significant financial losses.

The entrepreneur established at least 81 Internet services where he encourages people to take out a loan. Among those services you will find: as-chwilowka.pl, bezbiku.pro, rozsadnapozyczka.pl, kredyt-na-pesel.pl, wybierzpieniadze.pl, gotowka.online, tysiaczek.pl (comprehensive list is available in the table under the press release). On the websites, there is a scroll bar that allows you to choose the loan parameters and informs you about its sample terms and conditions. They also contain the slogans such as: “Do you need quick cash? Choose a heaven-like loan!”, “On-line loans immediately”. What is more, the business entity publishes alleged comments of Internet users with acknowledgements.

Names of services, their appearance and marketing message make the impression that the entrepreneur gives loans. However, it is not true. His activity consists in collecting personal data. Next, he makes those data available on the website whereto potential lenders have access. GELDOR business entity charges consumers via SMS Premium, e.g. for the activation of their application for loan extension of checking its status. Depending on the service, the charge may amount to as much as PLN 30.75.

“Consumers would not send paid SMS if they had been appropriately informed by the entrepreneur that he was not a lender or a credit intermediary and would not process their applications. We are of the opinion that the business entity has misinformed them and exposed to financial losses. That is why we have decided to release the warning,” says Marek Niechciał, President of UOKiK.

Pursuant to the Act on competition and consumer protection, the Competition Authority issues a warning when it concludes that an entrepreneur applies illegal practice which may put a substantial group of consumers at the risk of significant financial losses or adverse consequences. Warnings are published on the website of UOKiK.

What is more, the relevant proceedings are conducted by the Voivodeship Police Headquarters in Katowice under the supervision of the Regional Prosecutor’s Office in Gliwice (file number: PO II Ds. 39.2017).

The entrepreneur has submitted a complaint against the decision on the release of the consumer warning.

The entrepreneur against whom the consumer warning was issued by UOKiK: GELDOR Artur Karwot, address: ul. Morwowa 64, 44-207 Rybnik.

Internet services of the entrepreneur*:

* it is possible that the business entity will start some subsequent Internet services

Consumer support:

Phone: 801 440 220 or +48 22 290 89 16 – consumer helpline
Email: porady@dlakonsumentow.pl
Consumer ombudsmen – in your town or district

Additional information for the media:

UOKiK Press Office 
Pl. Powstańców Warszawy 1, 00-950 Warszawa, Poland
Phone: +48 695 902 088, +48 22 55 60 314
Email: biuroprasowe@uokik.gov.pl
Twitter: @UOKiKgovPL