Have you purchased an online course, coaching program, or digital education that turned out to be low-quality, misleading, or even a scam? In Sweden, more and more consumers are investing in digital learning—but what are your rights if the course doesn’t live up to its promises?
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In this article, we explain your rights under Swedish consumer law, how to file a complaint, and what you can do to get your money back when an education product turns out to be faulty or deceptive.
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Are Educational Services Covered by Consumer Protection?
Yes. If you buy an education or training program as a private individual from a company, your purchase is usually covered by the Swedish Distance and Off-Premises Contracts Act and in some cases the Consumer Services Act.
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This applies regardless of whether the course is:
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Fully digital (pre-recorded)
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Conducted via Zoom or live video
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Delivered as part of a coaching package
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You have the right to:
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Clear information before purchase
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14-day right of withdrawal (unless you agreed to start the course immediately)
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Delivery in line with what was marketed or promised
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Make a complaint if the course is incomplete, misleading, or substandard
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What Counts as a Faulty or Misleading Course?
A course or educational product may be legally defective if:
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It does not include the promised content or structure
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The instructors or materials are low quality or unqualified
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The course is not delivered or is cancelled without refund
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There is misleading marketing, exaggerations, or hidden fees
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The platform disappears or access is revoked without warning
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The course lacks value, depth, or relevance despite bold claims
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Examples of Problematic Courses
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“Guaranteed income” coaching programs with no substance
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Certification courses that have no official or real-world value
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Generic video modules with no guidance or support
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“Lifetime access” courses that are removed after a few weeks
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One-time payment offers that become monthly subscriptions
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What Can You Claim?
If a course is found to be misleading or faulty, you may be entitled to:
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Price reduction
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Replacement with a proper version
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Cancellation of the contract
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Refund of your payment
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Damages, in some cases (e.g., lost income or financial harm)
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How Do You Make a Complaint?
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Contact the company in writing as soon as possible
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Clearly describe the issue and refer to any promises made
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Request a refund or compensation
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If you get no response – file a complaint with the Swedish National Board for Consumer Disputes (ARN)
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For larger amounts or deceptive business practices – consult a consumer rights lawyer
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How to Avoid Scams and Poor Courses
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Check reviews and testimonials from real users
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Research the company—does it have a valid Swedish org. number?
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Read all terms and conditions before paying
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Pay with a credit card for better protection
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Save copies of all ads, emails, and course descriptions
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Summary
Not all online courses live up to their promises—but Swedish law protects you as a consumer. If you’ve paid for a course that was misleading, low-quality, or not delivered as described, you may be entitled to a refund or compensation.
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Feeling misled by a course? Contact us—we have experience with Swedish consumer disputes involving education, coaching, and digital services, and we’re here to help you get the justice you deserve.
