YOUR RIGHT TO SHOP

As a consumer you have certain rights that protect you. You are entitled to a full refund if something you buy is:

  • damaged or faulty (unless you were warned beforehand)
  • different from the description given on the packaging or by shop staff
  • not fit for the purposes the goods were made for

This applies to all goods, including things bought in the sales. You do not have to accept a credit voucher, exchange or repair unless the fault is very small. Take the receipt with you if you have it. You need to return goods within a reasonable time after you bought them.

You are not entitled to any refund or exchange if you have changed your mind about what you bought, although a lot of shops will do this.

Keeping the receipt and, if possible, the packaging for anything major that you buy will make it a lot easier to sort out problems later.

If you think you have been denied your consumer rights, go to the CAB or Castlegate for advice.

Plagued by marketing? If you're getting too much junk mail delivered contact the Mailing Preference Service, who can have you removed from most mailing lists. The Telephone Preference Service can do the same for unwanted phone calls.

Do not reply to junk emails, even ones offering to remove you from their lists. Replying usually just confirms that you exist, and increases the amount of junk that you are sent!

Too good to be true?

If you are told you have unexpectedly won an amazing prize, or see an advert to 'earn £500 a week in your spare time', be suspicious. Some of these are genuine, but most are dishonest attempts to get money from you. The 'Don't be a mug!' website has information on the most common scams. Hang up on automated calls to your landline. Don't reply to text offers from unknown companies.

MOBILE PHONES

All mobile phone companies seem to offer amazing deals, but make sure you find out all of the charges. Think about how much you will be paying altogether, and which option is most suitable for you. Ask friends with phones about the service they get from theirs. Pre-paid phones can have higher call charges, but they stop you running up huge bills! Remember you can send free text messages from many internet sites.

It is illegal to use a hand-held mobile phone while driving, even if you are in a traffic jam or at a red light. Even if you use a hands-free kit, you could still be prosecuted for careless driving.