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Profeco says stores reviewing customer receipts for proof of purchase an “unjustified annoyance” and violation of Article 10

Mexico City, Mexico — The Federal Consumer Prosecutor’s Office (Profeco) has requested that the National Association of Department Stores (ANTAD) stop reviewing customer’s for proof of purchase in commercial establishments.

The call came after Procuraduría Federal del Consumidor (Profeco) officials declared the review an act of “unjustified annoyance to the consumer”. Through a press release, the agency indicated that the call also includes stores that do not belong to the Asociación Nacional de Tiendas Departamentales (ANTAD), but that engage in the practice.

“This measure is contrary to Article 10 of the Federal Consumer Protection Law, which prohibits suppliers of goods or services from carrying out practices that threaten freedom, security or personal integrity,” the statement reads.

The agency says various self-service and department stores carry out a business practice consisting of reviewing the proof-of-purchase (tickets) before customers can leave the establishments, to compare them with the products purchased by consumers.

The stores that carry out this practice are usually price clubs such as City Club, Costco and Sam’s Club, the latter belonging to Walmart de México, which is not part of ANTAD.

The call from the Attorney General’s Office was made during a meeting with ANTAD in which the Deputy Attorney for Services and Profeco’s Dispatch Officer, Surit Berenice Romero Domínguez, participated.