The President of the Polish Office of Competition and Consumer Protection (UOKiK) is investigating the activities of crowdfunding platforms, particularly looking into fee structures and transaction cost coverage practices.

Crowdfunding platforms like Zrzutka.pl, Pomagam.pl, and Siepomaga.pl are under scrutiny to determine if their mechanisms fall under the definition of 'deceptive interfaces'.

In recent years, crowdfunding platforms have become essential for charitable activities, but complaints and UOKiK analyses suggest potential violations of consumer protection laws, including the use of deceptive interfaces and manipulative techniques.

The President of UOKiK has raised concerns about the practices of Zrzutka.pl and initiated explanatory proceedings against operators of Pomagam.pl and Siepomaga.pl regarding donation mechanisms and support incentives.

The use of the term 'donation' on Zrzutka.pl's website in relation to both contributions to fundraisers and transaction cost coverage fees has raised doubts and may mislead donors.

UOKiK is also investigating Pomagam.pl and Siepomaga.pl for requesting additional support for their operations during charitable donations, potentially using dark patterns that could mislead donors.