14/09/2009 - Stand up for rights, consumers told
Shoppers are being encouraged to stand up for their themselves after a study revealed a third of people feel their consumer rights have been ignored.
The survey from the Department for Business also found more people are taking action over sub-standard goods amid the credit crunch. More than a quarter of those asked said they were more likely to complain about goods in the current economic climate.
Consumers aged between 16 and 34 believed the internet posed a greater risk of being ripped off than the high street, but those aged over 35 felt they were more likely to be overcharged or misled when shopping in the high street.
The poll also showed that 58% of consumers said they had complained to a store about goods, or asked for a refund or an exchange between one and three times in the past three years.
Consumer Minister Kevin Brennan said: "Robust protections are in place to support consumers. But we want to see a dramatic improvement in awareness of those protections and rights."
Vivienne Dews, executive director at the Office of Fair Trading, said: "When people are aware of their rights and businesses respect their obligations, consumers can shop with confidence, which is good for them and good for business."
Copyright © Press Association 2009
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