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Consumer law

Consumer protection lawyer to claim, defend, or prevent disputes before the SIC.

Cafore Abogados supports consumers, companies and retailers when a warranty, product, service, advertisement, consumer contract or investigation before the SIC calls for evidence, a response and a strategy.

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Warranties SIC Defective product Misleading advertising Claim Business Evidence

A direct answer

What Cafore does in consumer law.

A consumer law attorney reviews the consumer relationship, evidence, terms, advertising, warranty, the supplier's response and the route before the SIC. At Cafore, the case is organized to claim or defend with clear documents.

Published legal commentary and media presence.

El Tiempo Week Portfolio Media | Cafore Abogados. Press articles, interviews and media coverage of our firm. Legal Sphere Infobae
Cafore Abogados S. A. S. Bogotá, Colombia Consumer law with a focus on strategy, evidence and decision About Us Team
01Pinpoint the problemFacts, urgency, and objective. 02Review the foundationDocuments, evidence, and connected risks. 03Pinpoint the litigationProceedings, actions, offenses, or authorities. 04Resolve doubtsQuestions grouped by moment and decision.

When it makes sense

Consult when a purchase, service, warranty, advertisement or investigation may end in a claim, lawsuit or sanction.

An early review makes it possible to organize the facts, gauge the urgency, and avoid responses, signatures, or communications that could later weaken your legal position.

Common situation

Affected consumer.

You need to claim under a warranty, a refund, breach of contract, a defective product or misleading advertising.

Common situation

Company under formal request.

You received a complaint, claim or action from the SIC and must respond without creating more risk.

Common situation

Sensitive commercial practice.

There is advertising, terms, e-commerce, data or contracts that may give rise to sanctions.

Quick assessment

Choose the starting point. The response changes according to the risk, the evidence, and the deadline.

Claim: what to organize first.

You need to claim a warranty, a refund, breach of contract, a defective product, or misleading advertising. The initial review makes it possible to separate urgency, evidence, and decision so that the next step rests on firmer ground.

Signs
  • Affected consumer
  • Warranty claims
  • Contracts, personal data, administrative sanctions, civil matters, and corporate reputation
Documents
  • Invoice, contract, warranty, terms and conditions
  • Advertising, chats, emails, photos, videos and proof of the defect
  • Direct claim and the supplier's response
Route
  • Organize the direct claim
  • Prepare a lawsuit or defense before the SIC
  • Review warranties, advertising, and clauses

Documents, risks, and decisions

Risks, documents, and decisions worth organizing.

Each path links the main problem to the available evidence, the deadlines, and the consequences that may change the strategy.

01

Main risk

What usually prompts a consumer law consultation.

01
Warranty claimsCentral aspect

Warranty claims require pinpointing facts, responsible parties, deadlines, and concrete consequences. In consumer law, that first reading determines whether it is best to prevent, negotiate, claim, or prepare a formal action.

  • Facts that must be confirmed.
  • Evidence available and missing.
  • Practical consequence of acting or waiting.
02
Productos defectuososRisk that changes the strategy

Defective products require pinpointing facts, responsible parties, deadlines, and concrete consequences. In consumer law, that first reading determines whether it is best to prevent, negotiate, claim, or prepare a formal action.

  • Facts that must be confirmed.
  • Evidence available and missing.
  • Practical consequence of acting or waiting.
03
Misleading advertisingRisk that changes the strategy

Misleading advertising requires pinpointing facts, responsible parties, deadlines, and concrete consequences. In consumer law, that first reading determines whether it is best to prevent, negotiate, claim, or prepare a formal action.

  • Facts that must be confirmed.
  • Evidence available and missing.
  • Practical consequence of acting or waiting.
04
Demandas ante la SICRisk that changes the strategy

Lawsuits before the SIC require pinpointing facts, responsible parties, deadlines, and concrete consequences. In consumer law, that first reading determines whether it is best to prevent, negotiate, claim, or prepare a formal action.

  • Facts that must be confirmed.
  • Evidence available and missing.
  • Practical consequence of acting or waiting.
02

Evidence and documents

The documentary basis that allows decisions with less noise.

01
Invoice, contract, warranty, terms and conditionsKey supporting document

An invoice, contract, warranty, terms and conditions help reconstruct the timeline, confirm what can be proven, and detect gaps before responding, signing, or escalating the dispute.

  • Source document and date.
  • Connection to the fact to be proven.
  • A safe way to request, preserve, or supplement the supporting document.
02
Advertising, chats, emails, photos, videos and proof of the defectDocument that organizes the evidence

Advertising, chats, emails, photos, videos, and records of the failure help reconstruct the timeline, confirm what can be proven, and detect gaps before responding, signing, or escalating the dispute.

  • Source document and date.
  • Connection to the fact to be proven.
  • A safe way to request, preserve, or supplement the supporting document.
03
Direct claim and the supplier's responseDocument that organizes the evidence

The direct claim and the supplier's response help reconstruct the timeline, confirm what can be proven, and detect gaps before responding, signing, or escalating the dispute.

  • Source document and date.
  • Connection to the fact to be proven.
  • A safe way to request, preserve, or supplement the supporting document.
04
Communications or proceedings before the SICDocument that organizes the evidence

Communications or actions before the SIC help reconstruct the timeline, confirm what can be proven, and detect gaps before responding, signing, or escalating the dispute.

  • Source document and date.
  • Connection to the fact to be proven.
  • A safe way to request, preserve, or supplement the supporting document.
03

Course of action

Options to correct, negotiate, claim, defend, or sue.

01
Organize the direct claimPossible decision

Organizing the direct claim is assessed based on urgency, available evidence, cost, the counterparty, and the expected legal effect. The right path is not always the most aggressive one; it must be the most sustainable.

  • Deadline and authority or opposing party.
  • The risk of negotiating, responding, or suing.
  • The specific outcome being sought.
02
Prepare a lawsuit or defense before the SICA path that must be measured with care

Preparing a lawsuit or defense before the SIC is assessed based on urgency, available evidence, cost, the counterparty, and the expected legal effect. The right path is not always the most aggressive one; it must be the most sustainable.

  • Deadline and authority or opposing party.
  • The risk of negotiating, responding, or suing.
  • The specific outcome being sought.
03
Review warranties, advertising, and clausesA path that must be measured with care

Reviewing warranties, advertising, and clauses is assessed based on urgency, available evidence, cost, the counterparty, and the expected legal effect. The right path is not always the most aggressive one; it must be the most sustainable.

  • Deadline and authority or opposing party.
  • The risk of negotiating, responding, or suing.
  • The specific outcome being sought.
04
Correct commercial practices to reduce penaltiesA path that must be measured with care

Correcting commercial practices to reduce sanctions is assessed based on urgency, available evidence, cost, the counterparty, and the expected legal effect. The right path is not always the most aggressive one; it must be the most sustainable.

  • Deadline and authority or opposing party.
  • The risk of negotiating, responding, or suing.
  • The specific outcome being sought.
04

Connected risks

Matters from other practice areas that may change the strategy.

01
Contracts, personal data, administrative sanctions, civil matters, and corporate reputationRelated risk

Contracts, personal data, administrative sanctions, civil matters, and corporate reputation can reshape the main analysis because they connect consumer law with other legal, financial, family, business, or reputational risks.

  • Connected area and reason for the overlap.
  • Financial, operational or reputational impact.
  • Coordination needed before the next step.
02
Warranty claimsA front that may broaden the case

Warranty claims can reshape the main analysis because they connect consumer law with other legal, financial, family, business, or reputational risks.

  • Connected area and reason for the overlap.
  • Financial, operational or reputational impact.
  • Coordination needed before the next step.
03
Productos defectuososA front that may broaden the case

Defective products can reshape the main analysis because they connect consumer law with other legal, financial, family, business, or reputational risks.

  • Connected area and reason for the overlap.
  • Financial, operational or reputational impact.
  • Coordination needed before the next step.
04
Invoice, contract, warranty, terms and conditionsA front that may broaden the case

An invoice, contract, warranty, terms and conditions can reshape the main analysis because they connect consumer law with other legal, financial, family, business, or reputational risks.

  • Connected area and reason for the overlap.
  • Financial, operational or reputational impact.
  • Coordination needed before the next step.

Consumer litigation

Claims, warranties, the SIC, and the defense of consumers or companies.

Consumer litigation requires reviewing the direct claim, the evidence on the product or service, the warranty, the advertising, the accepted terms, and the route before the SIC.

Review a dispute

Consumer claims

  • Statutory warranty
  • Defective product
  • Refund
  • Failure to deliver
  • Unfair clauses
  • Misleading advertising
  • E-commerce

Proceedings before the SIC

  • Consumer protection lawsuit
  • Administrative complaint
  • Information requests
  • Interim measures
  • Appeals
  • Hearings
  • Compliance with orders

Corporate defense

  • Response to a direct claim
  • Terms and Conditions | Cafore
  • Warranty policy
  • Proof of delivery
  • After-sales service
  • Advertising and promotions
  • Data protection

Evidence and prevention

  • Invoice
  • Contract
  • Chats and emails
  • Delivery record
  • Technical evidence
  • Manual or warranty
  • Service history

Decision point

If you already recognize the main risk, we can review documents and define the next move.

Talk to Cafore

Before you write to us

Five documents for a first review.

Not all of them are required, but they help orient the consultation from the outset.

0 of 5 ready

The Cafore Method

A clear process to move from the problem to a course of action.

The review is not limited to citing rules. It seeks to identify what can be proven, what must be corrected and which decision is best to carry out.

1

Context

We understand the decision, dispute or document that prompted the consultation.

2

Documents

We request only what is needed to assess the case and prioritize the documents that can change the strategy.

3

Map

We separate urgency, risk, possible correction, and the negotiation or litigation scenario.

4

Execution

We prepare documents, responses or actions according to the chosen path.

Possible deliverables

What can be ready after the review.

The outcome depends on the case, but the consultation should result in concrete deliverables, not a loose opinion.

Route

An opinion on the course of action and priorities.

A clear map of urgency, documents, risks and alternatives to decide with less noise.

Documents

Response, contract, minutes, appeal or supporting document.

The review may conclude in legal instruments ready for signing, filing, negotiation or proceedings.

Estrategia

Negotiation, defense or legal action.

If the matter has already escalated, we define the path to talk, respond, claim, or defend.

Scope of the service

Topics we review in consumer law.

These are the points that usually shape the strategy before responding, signing, negotiating, suing, or defending. The review starts from concrete facts and documents in order to choose a prudent path.

01

Situations we can review.

Common matters that are best read alongside documents, timelines, and real consequences.

Warranties and claims

Defective products, breaches, returns, repairs and the supplier's responses.

Misleading advertising

Commercial promises, terms, advertising, evidence, and harm to the consumer.

Proceedings before the SIC

Lawsuits, complaints, investigations, penalties, and defense of consumers or companies.

Corporate prevention

E-commerce, terms and conditions, data, warranties, customer service, and commercial practices.

02

Documents worth preparing.

Not all are needed from day one, but they help organize the consultation.

  • Invoice, contract, warranty, terms and conditions.
  • Advertising, chats, emails, photos, videos and proof of the defect.
  • Direct claim and the supplier's response.
  • Communications or proceedings before the SIC.
03

Possible paths after the review.

The strategy depends on the evidence, deadline, opposing party, authority and objective.

  • Organize a direct claim or corporate response.
  • Prepare a lawsuit, complaint, or defense before the SIC.
  • Correct warranties, advertising, and clauses to reduce penalties.
04

Frequently asked questions about this service.

Initial responses to understand scope, documents and possible paths.

01What does a consumer protection lawyer do in Colombia?

A consumer protection lawyer represents the consumer against abuse, fraud or breaches by suppliers of goods or services. At Cafore Abogados we provide legal advice and representation to individual consumers and groups in situations involving abuse, fraud or breaches. We handle claims for defective products, misleading advertising, breach of warranties and unfair commercial practices. The main legal framework is the Consumer Statute (Law 1480 of 2011), which recognizes rights such as the quality and suitability of goods and services, the legal warranty of at least one year, clear, sufficient and truthful information, and protection against abusive clauses in adhesion contracts.

02Where and how is a consumer protection claim filed?

The claim can be filed through two channels. The administrative one, before the Superintendence of Industry and Commerce (SIC) in its consumer protection role, by means of a PQR or a consumer protection action filed in its jurisdictional capacity. The direct judicial channel is also available before the circuit or municipal civil judges depending on the amount in dispute. At Cafore Abogados we organize the evidence —invoice, contract, communications, expert opinion where applicable—, draft the claim under the procedure of article 58 of Law 1480 of 2011 and represent the consumer at every stage of the process, seeking redress, refund, replacement of the good or full compensation.

03What typical cases does Cafore handle in consumer law?

We handle claims related to defective products —appliances, vehicles, electronics—, misleading advertising in mass and financial contracts, breach of warranties on new or repaired goods, unfair commercial practices by digital platforms, e-commerce and subscription services, and adhesion contracts with abusive clauses in the financial, insurance, prepaid health, education and telecommunications sectors. We seek to obtain favorable outcomes through negotiation, mediation or litigation when necessary. We work closely with each client to understand their concerns and to offer solutions tailored to their needs.

04How much time is there to claim under a warranty or for misleading advertising?

The minimum legal warranty is one year for new products, under article 8 of Law 1480 of 2011, except for special terms (used vehicles, perishables). The claim must be made while the warranty is in effect. For misleading advertising and abusive clauses, the consumer protection action before the SIC has a term of one year counted from the moment the consumer became aware of the fact. At Cafore Abogados we assess the timeliness of the claim, because filing out of time is grounds for dismissal. When the deadlines are near, we prioritize immediate filing and then supplement the evidence.

05Does Cafore Abogados also advise companies on compliance with the Consumer Statute?

Yes. We offer preventive advice so that companies and suppliers comply with consumer protection regulations, minimizing legal risks. We design ethical commercial policies that promote transparency, respect and honesty toward consumers. We review adhesion contracts, e-commerce terms and conditions, warranty policies, PQR procedures and advertising campaigns against the prohibitions of the Consumer Statute. Preventive advice is especially relevant for retail, e-commerce, financial services and digital platform companies with a high volume of complaints. We work from the Edificio Excélsior, Cra. 7 # 12B - 65, Of. 401, in Bogotá, with nationwide coverage.

Related reading

Useful readings before making a decision.

These guides expand on legal topics related to the service and help you prepare better for the consultation.

Personas estrechando manos sobre una mesa con documentos legalesCorporate Law

Key aspects of corporate law in Bogotá.

A guide for companies that need to organize contracts, governance, risks and growth with legal support.

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Commercial companies and contracts in Colombia.

How commercial companies are structured and what risks are worth reviewing before partnering or contracting.

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My tenant is not paying and refuses to vacate.

When to begin property restitution, which documents to prepare, and how to recover the asset.

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Why have a lawyer when buying real estate.

What to review before buying, where risks appear, and how to avoid losing money.

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Before filing a complaint: a practical guide to filing a criminal complaint.

What to review before filing a complaint, how to organize the facts and what information the complaint requires.

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Frequently asked questions

Real questions before seeking advice on consumer law.

The answers are general. The specific decision depends on the documents, evidence, timelines and circumstances of the case.

Before your consultation

When is it advisable to seek advice on consumer law?+
It is advisable to seek advice when a purchase, service, warranty, advertisement, or investigation may end in a claim, lawsuit, or penalty. The first review prevents acting on impulse and allows you to organize documents, deadlines, and risks.
Do I have to come with all the documents?+
No. It is better to come with what is available and a brief chronology. Afterward, whatever is needed is requested according to the route.
Does the consultation always end in a proceeding?+
No. Sometimes the best way out is to correct, negotiate or prepare a response. A proceeding is an option, not an automatic destination.
What makes an early review different?+
It makes it possible to preserve evidence, measure timelines and avoid communications or signatures that later weaken your position.

Evidence and supporting documents

What documents should I prepare?+
As a basis, the invoice, contract, warranty, terms and conditions, advertising, chats, emails, photos, videos, and supporting evidence of the fault, along with the direct claim and the supplier's response. If something is missing, it is identified without forcing risky reconstructions.
Do emails, chats or screenshots work?+
They can help, but they must be organized by date, author, context and connection to the fact you want to prove.
What happens if the other party has the documents?+
We review how to request them, what indirect evidence exists and whether it is advisable to use formal requests, conciliation, inspection or procedural measures.
Should I send communications before consulting?+
If there is an urgent deadline, it may be necessary. But in sensitive cases it is advisable to review the message before leaving a written version.

Course of action

How is the course of action decided?+
We review the facts, documents, urgency, cost, evidence, and objective. In this area, paths usually emerge such as organizing a direct claim, preparing a lawsuit or defense before the SIC, and reviewing warranties, advertising, and clauses.
When is it advisable to negotiate?+
When there is a real margin for agreement, solid evidence and an outcome that is faster or less costly than litigation.
When is it advisable to escalate?+
When there is urgency, bad faith, a risk of losing evidence, deadlines running, or a refusal that no longer allows an informal solution.
Can I change strategy later?+
Yes. The strategy must be adjusted when new documents, responses from the other party or decisions by the authority emerge.

Costs, timelines and scope

How long does a first review take?+
It depends on the volume of documents and the urgency. The first conversation aims to define the scope and the relevant documents.
Does the advisory service include drafting documents?+
It may include them if the case requires it: notices, contracts, minutes, replies, appeals, lawsuits or agreements.
Can I consult even if I do not want to sue yet?+
Yes. In fact, many good outcomes begin before deciding whether to sue.
What if I want to study the topic before consulting?+
You may review the related readings to understand general concepts, but the specific decision must be made with the documents, deadlines and facts of the case.

Next step

Tell us what decision, dispute or document you need to review.

You don't have to arrive with everything organized. The first review serves to identify which documents matter and which legal path makes sense.

Schedule a consultation