The Italian Competition Authority has initiated an investigation into Verisure Italy S.r.l. for alleged illegal conduct in the marketing of its Verisure alarm system. According to the Authority, the promotional activity for the Verisure plant conducted through various advertising channels (billboards, website, television commercials) presents misleading profiles. In actuality, the company would lead the consumer to believe that he is purchasing an alarm system when, in fact, he is subscribing to an alarm service with equipment and components provided on a free loan basis; this would incur additional fees in the event of cancellation or redemption. Verisure would also hinder the consumer in the event of a withdrawal from the contract by delaying the uninstallation and dismantling of the alarm system and continuing to bill the subscription fees after receiving the request to withdraw. Lastly, Verisure would have included in the contractual conditions the automatic authorization to begin the service during the 14-day withdrawal period (required by law for contracts signed away from business premises) and a vague reference to the court that would have jurisdiction in the event of a dispute between a consumer and the business.
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