The Consumer Defense Agency of El Salvador successfully recovered more than 4.5 million dollars for over 3,800 consumers during the first quarter of 2026. Ricardo Salazar, president of the institution, reported that this achievement followed 27,000 requests for assistance and 4,300 formal complaints. Salazar noted that these 4.5 million dollars are the result of an unprecedented action taken by the government of President Nayib Bukele to guarantee compliance with the Consumer Protection Law.

The majority of the recovered funds addressed contract breaches and misleading offers, totaling 2.7 million dollars for nearly 1,500 people. Additionally, over 754,000 dollars were returned to consumers affected by illegal charges. The agency also prioritized cases involving the right of withdrawal and the fulfillment of product warranties, ensuring that businesses respect the financial rights of all buyers within the country.

To maintain market integrity, the agency has already conducted 6,700 inspections nationwide this year, focusing on high-commerce holiday periods. These oversight efforts resulted in 900,000 dollars in fines against non-compliant businesses. Salazar emphasized that the figures are significant and show a continuous, permanent effort, highlighting a commitment to holding providers accountable through constant field presence and strict legal enforcement.

Looking ahead, the government plans to expand these protective measures to foster a more transparent economy. By combining direct financial recovery with rigorous inspections, El Salvador aims to build a reliable marketplace for both residents and international visitors. As Salazar pointed out, these striking numbers demonstrate our responsible work, signaling a year of high expectations for consumer justice and institutional efficiency.