The Rotterdam District Court has reduced the fine imposed by the Dutch Authority for the Financial Markets (AFM) on Vodafone Financial Services to €185,000.

On July 15, 2024, AFM imposed an administrative fine of €375,000 on Vodafone Financial Services B.V. (Vodafone FS). The Rotterdam District Court has reduced this fine to €185,000 based on the severity and duration of the offense, culpability, and exceeding the reasonable time limit.

Due to an error in the telephone ordering process, Vodafone FS granted credit to customers in August 2022 where this was irresponsible.

Vodafone FS had previously received a warning twice for similar violations. This time, the AFM decided to impose a fine.

Vodafone FS has compensated the affected customers.

For this violation, the AFM assumes a base amount of €2,500,000. The AFM subsequently significantly reduced this amount to €375,000. Firstly, because the extent of the violation and the impact on customers were limited, and secondly, due to the attitude of Vodafone FS from the moment the software error was discovered. The Rotterdam District Court further reduced the fine to €185,000 on the grounds of the severity and duration, culpability, and an exceeding of the reasonable time limit by five months.