New Protection for Consumers......Online and Home Shopping!

From June 13th 2014 there are new rules which will give you more protection when you shop online or if you buy from a salesperson in your home. The rules also cover you if you download or stream digital content, such as a movie or a game.

The main changes include:
• you must be given clear and upfront information before you buy and when you decide to make the purchase. This includes information about your cancellation rights
• you’ll have up to 14 days to change your mind about something you bought and get a refund – this is known as a cooling-off period and was previously only 7 days long. But you’ll have to return the unwanted product within 14 days of the cancellation, and in good condition
• traders will have to be open about any fees, so they can no longer hide costs such as fees or payment charges. You won’t have to pay for any ‘extras’ you weren’t told about before you made the purchase. In addition, websites and paperwork will be banned from including pre-ticked boxes for additional payments, such as for insurance or warranties.

The new law is known as The Consumer Contracts (Information, Cancellation and Additional Charges) Regulations 2013 and the changes start on 13 June 2014
As well as shopping online, the new rules cover shopping over the phone or by mail order, and other ways of buying away from trader’s premises, for example at your workplace or in the street.

If you have any issues with online shopping or want free and impartial advice on any subject you can contact your local Wyre Forest Citizens Advice in any of the following ways:

Website for advice and information: www.adviceguide.org.uk
Telephone advice line (Worcestershire): 0844 4111303 (from landline) 0300 330 0650 (from mobile)
Appointments at Wyre Forest Bureau: 01562 60194