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:

baukjen listed on couponmatrix.ukcosatto listed on couponmatrix.ukdfs listed on couponmatrix.ukjetparkscouk listed on couponmatrix.ukstart-rite listed on couponmatrix.ukthreadbare listed on couponmatrix.uk
baukjen listed on couponmatrix.ukIf you’re after easy-to-wear everyday clothing that screams effortless chic, why not browse through and grab a Baukjen discount code from Groupon. Baukjen produces all manner of stylish ladies’ clothing for today’s modern woman. From knitwear and jewellery to trousers and dresses, busy women can find that ideal investment to wear which provides an ultimately elegant look for everyday use, without compromising style principles. So if you fall into this category, head online and use these and start spending and saving right now.
cosatto listed on couponmatrix.ukCosatto is all about quirky, clever pushchairs, car seats and strollers that make daily life a little brighter. While travelling with your bundle of joy is never going to be straightforward, Cosatto’s award-winning travel solutions can take away some of the strain! With bold designs and nifty features like extra storage, your Cosatto stroller is as practical as it is stylish, and we’ll have a Cosatto discount code to back you up at the checkout. There’s even a ‘good as new’ section where you can shop used Cosatto car seats and prams at a price that fits your baby budget.
dfs listed on couponmatrix.ukDFS know sofas - they’ve been making them for over 45 years! A sofa can be the heart of the home, which is why they want to make sure everyone has a sofa they love and cherish. Thanks to the quality and workmanship in all DFS sofas, the brand is a customer favourite across the UK. Using your DFS discount code you can save even more on their already affordable prices, so getting the sofa of your dreams is only a click away.
jetparkscouk listed on couponmatrix.ukWhen we’re jetting off on holiday, the last thing we want to worry about is parking our car. With unorganised car parks and expensive tariffs, airport parking can be a real minefield, but with a Jetparks discount code, you can relax in the comfort of a pre-booked parking space close to the terminal. Get away without the hassle of long or short-stay car parks with Jetparks today.
start-rite listed on couponmatrix.ukStart-Rite is a leading British children's shoe brand, and we're here to help you get the best deal on your purchase! With our Start-Rite discount code, you can save money on the next pair of shoes for your little one. Whether you're looking for a new pair of school shoes for the kids or want to update your their footwear collection, we've got you covered. Check out our selection of discount codes and Start-Rite vouchers below and start saving today! At Groupon, we believe that everyone deserves to save money on their purchases. That's why we work hard to find the best Start-Rite discount codes for you to use on footwear products. We want to help you get the best deal possible, and our team is always searching for new codes and deals. So whether you're looking for a code for your next pair of shoes or something else, be sure to check back with us often! Thanks for choosing Groupon! If you're looking for a top-quality pair of shoes, look no further than Start-Rite! Their products are built to last, and they offer a wide variety of styles to choose from. Plus, with our Start-Rite voucher code, you can save even more money on your purchase. You don't want to wait for this, take advantage of our Start-Rite discount code and save today!
threadbare listed on couponmatrix.ukWhether you’re searching for a snazzy dress for a summer BBQ or a jacket for the new school term, Threadbare is the place to find top-quality men, women and children’s clothing at affordable prices. Savvy shoppers will find the best Threadbare discount codes and top sale picks on this page, as well as an abundance of discounts for students and key workers. Make Groupon your first port of call and you can expect to save more money on Threadbare clothing for parties, days out and everyday wear, too!