header-logo header-logo

Fightback against scams

05 April 2012
Issue: 7509 / Categories: Legal News
printer mail-detail

Rip-off traders & scam merchants targeted by Law Commissions

Consumers would be given extra protection against rip-off traders and scam merchants, under legal reforms proposed by the Law Commission and Scottish Law Commission.

The commissioners’ report, Consumer Redress for Misleading and Aggressive Practices, published last week, recommends a new legal right of redress against traders that carry out misleading or aggressive practices. Consumers would be entitled to a refund or a discount on the price, and damages could be available if the unfair practice caused additional loss. The new law would also cover situations where companies aggressively harass consumers for payment, where remedies would include refund or damages for distress.

Law Commissioner David Hertzell says: “By simplifying the law, our recommended reforms will give more confidence to consumers and help drive rogue traders out of the market place, where currently they damage the reputation and livelihood of good, honest businesses.”

Citizens Advice chief executive Gillian Guy says: “The law has neglected to recognise that people should get their money back when they have been subjected to pressure selling.

“Complex laws on misrepresentation have also failed consumers who have been blatantly misled by sales people. We need a simple consumer law to help consumers get a refund or compensation in these cases so that shoppers aren’t left with a sting in their pocket, and we need it fast.”

Issue: 7509 / Categories: Legal News
printer mail-details

MOVERS & SHAKERS

Birketts—trainee cohort

Birketts—trainee cohort

Firm welcomes new cohort of 29 trainee solicitors for 2025

Keoghs—four appointments

Keoghs—four appointments

Four partner hires expand legal expertise in Scotland and Northern Ireland

Brabners—Ben Lamb

Brabners—Ben Lamb

Real estate team in Yorkshire welcomes new partner

NEWS
Robert Taylor of 360 Law Services warns in this week's NLJ that adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) risks entrenching disadvantage for SME law firms, unless tools are tailored to their needs
From oligarchs to cosmetic clinics, strategic lawsuits against public participation (SLAPPs) target journalists, activists and ordinary citizens with intimidating legal tactics. Writing in NLJ this week, Sadie Whittam of Lancaster University explores the weaponisation of litigation to silence critics
Delays and dysfunction continue to mount in the county court, as revealed in a scathing Justice Committee report and under discussion this week by NLJ columnist Professor Dominic Regan of City Law School. Bulk claims—especially from private parking firms—are overwhelming the system, with 8,000 cases filed weekly
Writing in NLJ this week, Thomas Rothwell and Kavish Shah of Falcon Chambers unpack the surprise inclusion of a ban on upwards-only rent reviews in the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill
Charles Pigott of Mills & Reeve charts the turbulent progress of the Employment Rights Bill through the House of Lords, in this week's NLJ
back-to-top-scroll