Consumeradvice

Consumer Protection

I bought a pair of shoes from an online marketplace, but when they arrived it became clear they were fake. I tried to message the seller to request a refund, but their account has since been blocked. I am not sure what options I have available to me. Can you help?

Online purchases have become increasingly common among consumers, especially since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2022, a third of all retail purchases took place online, with the trend set to continue. Unfortunately, there are risks associated with these purchases. There is a lack of purchase security in place, compared to purchasing in-person. With …

I bought a pair of shoes from an online marketplace, but when they arrived it became clear they were fake. I tried to message the seller to request a refund, but their account has since been blocked. I am not sure what options I have available to me. Can you help? Read More »

I’m looking to purchase a new car but I’m not sure if it’s best to buy from a company or a private seller. What do I need to keep in mind?

Depending on whether you are purchasing from a company or an individual, you will have different rights available to you. Because there aren’t as many requirements set by law, buying privately can be very risky. What are the legal requirements? When buying goods from a trader, the law states they should be of satisfactory quality, …

I’m looking to purchase a new car but I’m not sure if it’s best to buy from a company or a private seller. What do I need to keep in mind? Read More »

I’ve been struggling to keep up with energy costs and I’m now worried about going off-supply when my prepayment meter runs out. I don’t know how I’m going to keep up with the costs going forward. Can you help?

Contact your supplier Customers experiencing financial difficulties that may put them at risk of self-disconnection should, in the first instance, contact their energy supplier. There are provisions in place to ensure anyone who is on a pre-payment meter and is struggling or rationing energy to get by can stay on supply. If you have debt …

I’ve been struggling to keep up with energy costs and I’m now worried about going off-supply when my prepayment meter runs out. I don’t know how I’m going to keep up with the costs going forward. Can you help? Read More »

I have had a painter and decorator working in my home for a couple of weeks. They have given me the final total for the work being carried out, which is almost double the amount we agreed initially. I do not think this is right. Can you offer any advice?

  Agreements on final prices can differ when we take on a tradesperson to do work for us. Some companies may offer an estimate at the beginning of the job, whilst others may have agreed on a set price with you based on the requirements of the job. A set price is often referred to as …

I have had a painter and decorator working in my home for a couple of weeks. They have given me the final total for the work being carried out, which is almost double the amount we agreed initially. I do not think this is right. Can you offer any advice? Read More »

I’ve heard that they are going to be testing an emergency warning system. I know this will be a message to my mobile phone, but I am hopeless with technology and don’t know what to do. I am worried about it. Can you help?

The Emergency Alerts Service will enable people to be contacted via their mobile phones if their lives are at risk in an emergency and will be tested across the UK on Sunday of this week. In a real emergency, this will send a direct message to mobile phones when there is a risk to life, …

I’ve heard that they are going to be testing an emergency warning system. I know this will be a message to my mobile phone, but I am hopeless with technology and don’t know what to do. I am worried about it. Can you help? Read More »

I paid by credit card for a tattoo from a specialist artist a year ago, and the person who was meant to complete the work has left the studio. They told me that I can pick someone else to do the tattoo, but there is a massive wait time and I just want my money back. What can I do?

In this situation, you have a few options available to you, particularly if you only agreed to pay for the work based on a specific artist. When you agree to pay a trader for goods or services you are entering into a contract. Each contract that you enter will have its own set of terms …

I paid by credit card for a tattoo from a specialist artist a year ago, and the person who was meant to complete the work has left the studio. They told me that I can pick someone else to do the tattoo, but there is a massive wait time and I just want my money back. What can I do? Read More »

I have been going round in circles trying to sort out my energy bills with my supplier. I made a complaint to them about three months ago in relation to a mix up with my meter and bills but can’t get through to speak to them now. Can you help?

It is important that we follow the individual process for complaining to our energy supplier if we have to do so. It is always best to ensure we do this in writing, either by email or letter to them, so that we have evidence of our communication. The process can usually be found on the …

I have been going round in circles trying to sort out my energy bills with my supplier. I made a complaint to them about three months ago in relation to a mix up with my meter and bills but can’t get through to speak to them now. Can you help? Read More »

I recently purchased gift vouchers for my daughter and I to attend a prosecco lunch in a hotel together, but she couldn’t go on the day we had planned. I just tried to rebook but noticed they have expired a few weeks ago. What can I do?

The course of action you should take in this situation will depend on a few factors. When you purchase gift cards or vouchers for experiences from a trader, you are bound by the terms and conditions that are made or known at the point of purchase. If the expiry date conditions weren’t clear at the …

I recently purchased gift vouchers for my daughter and I to attend a prosecco lunch in a hotel together, but she couldn’t go on the day we had planned. I just tried to rebook but noticed they have expired a few weeks ago. What can I do? Read More »

I have been getting a lot of emails saying that I won prizes – mostly that I am due gift vouchers from supermarkets. These ask me to confirm my personal information by visiting a link so that they can send them to me, but I am not sure. What should I do?

There are an increasing number of emails being sent to consumers, requesting entry to prize draws, or falsely claiming they have won prizes, including gift vouchers or products. It is always best to remember that if it sounds too good to be true – it probably is. Giveaway Signs of a Scam These emails can …

I have been getting a lot of emails saying that I won prizes – mostly that I am due gift vouchers from supermarkets. These ask me to confirm my personal information by visiting a link so that they can send them to me, but I am not sure. What should I do? Read More »

Airth Castle Hotel Limited Liquidation – Consumers Seeking Refunds

Airth Castle Hotel Limited, the company that manages Airth Castle has confirmed that the popular wedding venue has went into liquidation. This will leave consumers with holidays, weddings, and other events booked wondering what they can do to get their money back. The options are different, depending on the cost of the booking and the …

Airth Castle Hotel Limited Liquidation – Consumers Seeking Refunds Read More »