Online retailers warned of 'red lines' over pressure-selling tactics

The competition watchdog has announced a crackdown on online pressure-selling tactics that can push consumers into making hasty decisions they later regret. The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has written to online businesses to warn them about its “red lines” on urgency and price reduction claims such as “10 people are watching this now,” “Hurry, today only!” and countdown timers for deals. Such claims can be acceptable if true, but the CMA is warning they will breach the law if they are false or misleading or place unfair pressure on consumers.

The campaign aims to enable consumers to spot and avoid misleading online sales tactics and to report businesses that engage in them (CMA/PA)

The letter reads: “These claims have a legitimate place when they alert consumers to genuine special offers or provide helpful information about current selling conditions.

“However, we have become concerned about claims that may mislead or put unfair pressure on consumers in the UK. “Such claims may be illegal under consumer protection regulations, harm consumers by distorting their behaviour and put fair-dealing businesses at a disadvantage.”

Tactics include pressure selling, hidden charges, subscription traps and fake reviews, which are all designed to “mislead and push people to part with their cash online” (CMA/PA)

The CMA is inviting consumers to report online rip-offs via a new digital reporting form. The Online Rip-Off Tip-Off campaign, fronted by Martin Lewis Money Show co-presenter Angellica Bell, aims to crack down on practices that could break the law and encourages shoppers to be aware of online scammers.

The campaign aims to enable consumers to spot and avoid misleading online sales tactics and to report businesses that engage in them. The tactics include pressure selling, hidden charges, subscription traps and fake reviews, which are all designed to “mislead and push people to part with their cash online”. A survey of 3,700 UK adults for the CMA found that 67% say cost-of-living pressures have made them more desperate to find the best deals, while 71% believe they are “saving money” by purchasing deals that are on offer – some of which may not be genuine.

It also revealed 24% of consumers have fallen victim to “sneaky” online sales tactics, while 23% did not realise that tactics such as “15 mins left of sale” or “buy now” can sometimes be false or misleading. Some 68% thought these types of misleading tactics should be banned. Bell said: “Some online businesses are using sneaky sales tactics to make us part with our money when household budgets are already stretched.

“We all feel the pressure of securing bargains, making us more susceptible to being ripped off. It’s frustrating when this happens and it’s time we call out these online retailers and report them to the CMA.” CMA senior director for consumer protection, George Lusty, said: “Now more than ever, every penny counts and the CMA is concerned that some businesses are using underhand tactics designed to part shoppers from their cash.

“This poll is just the tip of the iceberg as we believe the true number of victims of these rip-offs is much higher as they are often extremely difficult to spot.

“That’s why businesses using urgency and price reduction claims need to consult the CMA’s new advice.

It outlines what businesses need to do when designing their online shopping experiences to be sure they comply with the law.”

Tags:

blue-sea-holidays listed on couponmatrix.ukchaos-cards listed on couponmatrix.ukclub-l-london listed on couponmatrix.ukfirst-choice listed on couponmatrix.ukmattress-next-day listed on couponmatrix.ukzizzi listed on couponmatrix.uk
blue-sea-holidays listed on couponmatrix.ukFrom a city break in Amsterdam to an all-inclusive in Barcelona, find your dream getaway with Blue Sea Holidays. Complete with low deposits and ATOL protection, be sure to check out our list of the latest and greatest Blue Sea Holidays promo codes to save big on your next trip. Whether you're looking for a romantic getaway or a family-friendly vacation, Blue Sea Holidays has something for everyone, and you can save even more with our exclusive discount codes. If you’re dreaming of a summer holiday to remember or a soothing winter escape, take a look at our deals to save money on your adventure. For the ultimate steal, check out Blue Sea Holidays’ last-minute deals for a chance to save up to hundreds of pounds per person on holidays to Malta, Spain and more dreamy destinations. Even if you’re booking in advance, you can still get a reduced price with our Blue Sea Holidays vouchers. Whether you need to book a hotel on its own or a Blue Sea Holidays flights and hotel package, there’s a holiday that’s perfect for you at Blue Sea Holidays – with the flexibility to choose whatever suits you and your budget. When you’re booking your next big break, don’t forget to apply a Blue Sea Holidays discount code, so holiday-goers can dream even bigger when it comes to their next vacation.
chaos-cards listed on couponmatrix.ukLive, breathe and sleep gaming? Get acquainted with Chaos Cards and get your trading card collection on point! You could slice the price of all manner of cards, from the classic Pokemon to the mighty Yu-Gi-Oh, when you put one of our Chaos Cards discount codes to the test. Don’t forget to browse the board game, dice game and role-playing departments too and banish boredom from every raising its head without breaking the bank.
club-l-london listed on couponmatrix.ukShop the Club L London collection to kit yourself out in killer fashion, inspired by hot-off-the-catwalk styles. From super-cute day dresses and casual co-ords to floor-length prom gowns and trendsetting tailoring, you’ll find everything you need to add some glitz and glam to your look. Help yourself to a Club L London discount code from our money-saving collection of offers, and you could give yourself an A-List makeover without blowing your budget.
first-choice listed on couponmatrix.ukFrom the tropical groves of the Maldives to the sandy beaches of Egypt, First Choice holidays make it easy for you to tick dream destinations off your bucket list. With seasonal holiday packages, last-minute discounts and hundreds of hotels to pick between, a First Choice discount code is all that’s required to get the best possible bargain on your overseas escape. Everyone deserves a welcome break at a competitive price, so give yourself the best of both worlds with First Choice holidays.
mattress-next-day listed on couponmatrix.ukTreat yourself to the good night’s sleep of your dreams and turn to MattressNextDay to give your boudoir a boost! As the UK’s leading online mattress retailer, you won’t find a better collection of high-quality, comfortable mattresses to choose from, and with a MattressNextDay voucher code from us, you can count on getting the best price for your bed. What’s more, if you’re looking for mattress next day delivery, you’ve come to the right place. Just spend over £150 at MattressNextDay, and you can enjoy this service for free!
zizzi listed on couponmatrix.ukBringing the classic flavours of Italy to British taste buds for over two decades, Zizzi is the quintessential Italian restaurant for friends and family alike. With individual branches offering unique dishes inspired by the local community, you can use Zizzi offers on your locally enthused meal and try something new. From their thin and crispy Rustica pizzas to Mediterranean classics and gluten-free alternatives, satisfy your hunger and go for seconds with Zizzi.