HIBAPRESS
Shtour Ali, president of the Moroccan Association for the Defense of Consumer Rights, revealed that his association has received complaints from citizens regarding practices related to financing and loan companies, concerning a lack of communication with customers, a failure to respond to their grievances, and difficulty in obtaining information about the status of their files and financial obligations.
Shtour, a member of the Moroccan Federation for Consumer Rights, explained that some complaints relate to the repossession or seizure of financed cars under circumstances that raise questions about prior notification and the procedures taken, as well as the possibility of reaching amicable solutions to settle outstanding financial situations.
The speaker indicated in a statement to "HIBAPRESS" newspaper that these cases could result in material and social damages, especially for citizens who rely on their cars for work, transportation, and managing their daily needs.
He added that other complaints concern delays in obtaining what is known as "lifting the lien" (La mainlevée), even after financial obligations have been settled and required conditions have been met, which could disrupt consumers' interests and delay the completion of administrative and legal procedures related to their vehicles.
The president of the Moroccan Association for the Defense of Consumer Rights affirmed that the relationship between the consumer and financing companies should be based on transparency, responsible communication, and respect for contractual obligations, while ensuring the rights of both parties in accordance with applicable laws.
In this context, Shtour Ali invoked Law No. 31.08 concerning consumer protection measures, as a legal framework for protecting the economic interests of consumers and ensuring their right to obtain necessary information, particularly in the area of consumer loans, taking into account the provisions governing each type of financing and its associated guarantees.
The speaker stressed that the contract is binding on both parties, but its execution remains subject to the law, emphasizing that any action related to the repossession of a financed car must be based on a sound contractual and legal basis, with respect for the established procedures and consideration of each case's circumstances individually.
Regarding requests for lifting the lien, Shtour Ali confirmed that settling financial obligations and meeting the required conditions necessitate processing these requests according to applicable legal procedures and deadlines, while informing customers of the status of their files and clarifying the required documents, to avoid disrupting their interests without justification.
He called on financing and loan companies to improve communication with customers, respond seriously to their complaints, and provide clear and detailed statements regarding outstanding debts, installments, and expenses. He also urged them to encourage amicable dispute resolution and to consider the possibility of rescheduling payments when legal and contractual conditions permit.
He also requested the competent regulatory bodies to strengthen oversight of practices that may infringe upon consumer rights, ensure compliance with laws governing financing and loans, and facilitate the processing of complaints and accelerate procedures related to lifting the lien after all required conditions have been met.
Shtour Ali concluded by emphasizing that consumer protection does not mean exemption from financial obligations, nor should respecting the rights of financing companies come at the expense of customer rights. He considered that achieving balance between the two parties requires consolidating transparency and fairness in contract execution and dispute resolution, thereby enhancing trust in financing institutions.
