The Consumer Protection Centre (KEPKA), a non-profit NGO based in Thessaloniki received more 12,000 individual complaints by citizens in 2008, practically matching the number of complaints handled in 2007.

The tax imposed on a second residence toped the list (2,855 complaints, corresponding to 23.69 percent of all grievances) followed by telecoms providers (1,438 complaints or 11.93 percent). 

The agency handled 1,348 complaints for defective products (11.18 percent) in 2008 -- a decline compared to 2,010 complaints in 2007 -- followed by banking products (credit cards, loans) with 1,228 complaints (10.19 percent) and guaranteed-consumer services (665 complaints or 5.52 percent).

Following the centre's intervention and the settlements reached, consumers received compensations totaling roughly 234,100 euros, a 7-percent increase compared to 2007.