Owner of www.destapnaarhuren.nl takes website offline following ACM action

The Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM) has carried out an investigation into the website www.destapnaarhuren.nl. ACM had received reports that the website possibly misled consumers. The owner has taken down the website because of ACM’s investigation.

On the website, individuals looking for social housing could sign up for a course of 1,500 euros to increase their chances of getting an apartment. Considering the scarcity of social housing, the target audience is large and also vulnerable to this offer. Therefore, in the interest of consumer protection, this group receives extra attention.

ACM had received reports that the website contained incorrect and misleading information about the course and its intended effect. For example, several positive customer experiences were listed on the website, even though the course had not yet even been taught. That is why ACM had launched its investigation. When ACM contacted the business, the owner decided to take the website offline. Now that the website can no longer be reached, ACM has ended its investigation. However, ACM will keep an eye on the business owner over the next few months.

Consumers can continue to file reports with ACM ConsuWijzer, ACM’s consumer information portal. Reports from consumers are important for ACM’s regulatory efforts.