consumer protection

• What is the main purpose of consumer protection?

  To protect consumers from unethical business practices.
• Why do some businesses resort to dubious tactics?

  To maximize profit at the expense of ethical practices.
• What is one of the practices the UK government seeks to discourage?

  Poor quality goods.
• What are the main components of consumer protection legislation?

  • Sale of Goods Act 1979
  • Consumer Rights Act 2015
  • Consumer Credit Acts 1974 and 2006
• What does the Consumer Rights Act 2015 regulate?

  The contract between consumers and retailers for goods, services, and digital content.
• What must all goods be according to the Consumer Rights Act 2015?

  Of satisfactory quality, fit for purpose, and correspond with any description given.
• If a consumer buys a product that is not satisfactory, what are they entitled to do?


  Return the goods to the retailer and ask for a refund.
• What does the Consumer Rights Act 2015 state about services?

  They must be carried out for a reasonable price, within a reasonable time, and with reasonable care and skill.
• What is the Annual Percentage Rate (APR)?


  A percentage that reflects the interest rate charged and how it is calculated.
• What is the purpose of the 'cooling off period' in credit contracts?

  To allow the debtor to change their mind after signing the contract.
• What is a criminal offence under the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008?

  Engaging in unfair business practices.
• What can happen to businesses that engage in unfair practices?

  They can be prosecuted and fined.
• What is the cancellation period provided by the Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013?

  14 days.
• What rights do consumers have when purchasing goods or services at home?

  They can cancel the agreement within 14 days.
• What is the role of the ombudsman services?

  To offer complaints procedures for dissatisfied customers.
• When can consumers complain to the relevant ombudsman?

  After trying to resolve the dispute with the business.
• What do Trading Standards departments do?

  Check that local businesses comply with trading laws.
• What can Trading Standards officers do if businesses do not comply with laws?

  Prosecute businesses, resulting in fines or imprisonment.
• What is the mission statement of the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA)?


  To make markets work well for consumers.
• What does the CMA investigate?

  Markets to ensure businesses are not engaging in anticompetitive practices.
• What are examples of anticompetitive practices that the CMA looks for?

  Price agreements and boycott activities.
• What can happen if a business fails to honor undertakings given to the CMA?

  It can result in more stringent measures such as fines.
• What is one role of the CMA regarding mergers?

  To investigate proposed mergers that may restrict competition.
• What are the roles of the CMA?

  • Investigating mergers that could restrict competition
  • Conducting market studies and investigations
  • Investigating breaches of anticompetitive agreements
  • Bringing criminal proceedings against cartel offences
  • Enforcing consumer protection legislation
  • Co-operating with sector regulators
• Where can consumers access advice about consumer problems?


  Websites like www.citizensadvice.org.uk and www.consumer-rights.org.uk.
• What do ethical issues in consumer protection relate to?

  Morally right and wrong decisions made by businesses.
• What is an example of unethical behavior in business?


  Giving false information about a product.
• Why can marketing practices be considered unethical?

  They can exploit consumer behavior, such as encouraging 'pester power'.
• How did McDonald's change its marketing strategy in response to ethical concerns?

  It dropped the 'supersize' campaign and focused on healthier meals.