The President of UOKiK is cautioning consumers about the risks associated with deferred payments, especially during the holiday shopping rush. The 'buy now, pay later' trend, facilitated by e-commerce platforms, can lead to excessive debt and impact creditworthiness.

Deferred payments, also known as 'buy now, pay later' (BNPL), allow customers to postpone payment for purchases, often up to 30 or 45 days, or in installments. While attractive, this option can result in consumers forgetting about their obligations and accumulating debts that may affect their financial stability.

UOKiK's campaign aims to raise awareness about the fact that deferred payments essentially constitute a form of credit. Failure to pay on time can incur additional costs, potentially leading to long-term financial consequences such as decreased creditworthiness or inclusion in debt registers.

The popularity of deferred payments is on the rise in Poland, as indicated by recent studies showing a significant increase in the number of consumers opting for this payment method. The President of UOKiK urges media, institutions, organizations, and retailers to join the campaign to educate consumers about the risks involved.