NGM: the consumer protection authority blocked a fraudulent web store misusing the Hervis name

By: Trademagazin Date: 2026. 01. 28. 10:14

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The National Trade and Consumer Protection Authority (NKFH), under the control of the Ministry of National Economy (NGM), with the cooperation of the Budapest Metropolitan Government Office, has made a web store that was abusing the image and name of a popular sporting goods retail chain in our country inaccessible in order to protect consumers – the Ministry of National Economy (NGM) announced in a statement sent to MTI on Wednesday.

Based on citizen reports received by the NGM, the NKFH ordered an extraordinary investigation into https://www.hervis-sports-hu.homes in relation to the web store accessible at the URL address.

The website used the image elements and brand name of Hervis, a well-known sporting goods retail chain in our country, to offer its products for sale in a misleading manner. The violation of the law was considered extremely serious with regard to the website under investigation, as the site was capable of deceiving a wide range of consumers, resulting in financial damage.

In addition, the website did not contain the mandatory information required by law, including service provider data, general terms and conditions, and information on the right of withdrawal granted to consumers, the statement added.

The number of potential victims could have increased significantly in a short time due to advertisements on social media and search engine optimized results, therefore the consumer protection authority ordered the website to be made inaccessible as a temporary measure until the final decision is made. Considering that there may be suspicions of fraud in the case, the NKFH has turned to the investigative authority in order to investigate a possible crime, the NGM announced.

The protection of consumers in the online space is of paramount importance, therefore, the NKFH, which is under the control of the NGM, cooperates with government agencies and inspects web stores throughout the year, both ex officio and based on customer reports.

During the given procedure, the consumer protection authority may order the temporary inaccessibility of electronic data, i.e. block the given website, if it is necessary to protect the life, physical integrity or health of consumers, to prevent financial disadvantage affecting a wide range of consumers, or to protect the rights of minors under the age of 18 or other particularly vulnerable groups. necessary to protect vulnerable consumers.

In addition to decisive official action, consumer awareness also plays a key role, especially given the wide range of shopping opportunities offered by the Internet. It is therefore advisable to carefully check the website address in all cases to avoid falling victim to a scam. In addition, before making a purchase, it is advisable to read the details of the company operating the web store, the contact options, the general terms and conditions and the information on the right of withdrawal, and it is also worth browsing the database of infringing web stores available on the NKFH website.

The Ministry of Justice, the NKFH and the government agencies under its professional supervision continuously investigate online retailers so that customers can only order from safe web stores that guarantee consumer rights.