The OFT has found that more than a third of UK online retailers could be breaking consumer laws by adding unexpected charges to orders. They have warned retailers to change their websites before Christmas.
62 of the UK’s 156 most popular websites were found not to be complying with current laws. They found unreasonable restrictions on refunds and compulsory charges being added at the checkout.
Nearly two-thirds of all the retailers checked failed to provide an email contact address, as opposed to a web contact, which is a breach of the E-Commerce regulations.
“The OFT recognises that most businesses want to play fair with their customers and to comply with the law,” said Cavendish Elithorn, a senior director at the OFT.
“We encourage all online retailers to check their websites so customers can be confident their rights are being respected when they shop online.”
With Christmas shoppers hitting sites in the coming weeks the OFT has warned retailers to make sure they are not ignoring their legal obligations.
Back To Blog