New Consumer Protection Regulations to deter rogue traders
New regulations aim to stop rogue traders misleading customers
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Monday, 26, May 2008 10:02
New Consumer Protection Regulations have come into effect today to ban 31 types of sales practices considered unfair.
The rules aim to tighten controls on traders and businesses that have previously exploited loopholes.
Some of the outlawed business tactics include using fake closing down sales, false testimonials online and limited-time offers that are then extended.
Other banned practices include those especially likely to harm the vulnerable or elderly, such as high pressure sales techniques, the Telegraph reports.
In addition, fortune-tellers, mediums and astrologists will have to tell their customers their services are for "entertainment only" and not scientifically proven.
Consumer affairs minister Gareth Thomas told the Telegraph that the new regulations would provide better protection - both for shoppers and businesses.
"Honest traders understand the value of treating customers fairly and they have had enough of losing profit to the small minority of rogues who use underhand tactics to get ahead," he added.
Chris Warner is an in-house lawyer at Which? Consumer magazine and told the Independent how wide-ranging the effects of rogue traders can be.
"Rogue traders are a nuisance for the most part, but in the worst cases they've ruined people's lives," he said.
"We are delighted that many of these practices are now rightly considered to be criminal offences."