Swiss Man's Ordeal: Private Document Provider Delays, No Refund
Jonas Schmitt's recent experience with Meinauszug.ch, a private provider of official documents, has raised concerns about the reliability and costs of such services. Schmitt paid CHF 34.90 for a criminal record certificate but faced delays and eventually did not receive a refund even after the company lost its authorization. Schmitt's ordeal began when he ordered a criminal record certificate from Meinauszug.ch. He waited weeks without resolution or refund, despite contacting the company repeatedly. His case is not an isolated incident. Private providers in Switzerland, including those specializing in digital document management, may face delays due to processing steps or verification issues. However, specific reports on delays from Meinauszug.ch were not found. The Swiss government has warned against using private websites selling official documents at inflated prices. Some may falsely claim government authorization, leading to confusion and potential misuse of funds. Official documents, like criminal record certificates, can be obtained directly from relevant authorities for a cheaper and safer price, currently CHF 17. The federal government has even temporarily halted processing requests from Meinauszug.ch due to concerns about confusion with official websites. Schmitt's case serves as a cautionary tale for those seeking official documents from private providers. While these services offer convenience, they may come with risks and higher costs. The Swiss government advises customers to consider the cheaper and safer option of ordering directly from official authorities.
