NEW RULES FOR CONSUMER PROTECTION WELCOME, SAYS LOCAL MEP
May 27, 2008 10:14 AM
The Consumer Protection Regulations, which came into force yesterday and implement the EU directive on unfair commercial practices, should be welcomed and are an example of how the EU can act to deliver real rights for consumers across Europe, according to local MEP Liz Lynne.
Liz recently warned constituents of bogus prize draw scams to hit the region after receiving a bogus Spanish lottery win letter in the post, telling her she had won almost a million euros and asking for her bank account details. Many people who reply to such scams have found money has been taken from their account, or even that their identity has been stolen.
Speaking today, Liz Lynne MEP said:
"My hope is that these new laws will outlaw disreputable trading activities and help turn the tables on the con men and scams that have cost local people millions. It is now vital the Government ensures that the laws are implemented effectively and this means making sure people know what their new rights are, as well as clamping down on the fraudsters and criminals making a mint at our expense.
"I imagine all of us have experienced fake letters or incessant and unwanted phone calls telling us we have won a prize. Then of course when the number is rung back the caller is strung along for a premium phone call usually lasting several minutes. Many of these traders base themselves in another country to escape legal action. These new EU rules will help to get to grips with this at home and abroad."
ENDS
Liz Lynne MEP has repeatedly warned of prize draw scams, taking the issue to the European Commission, who have since urged Member States to implement the new consumer protection laws as soon as possible.
Liz and fellow European Liberal Democrats took a tough line on the issue of consumer scams when the original EU directive passed through the European Parliament in 2005, to ensure that marketing scams in particular could be tackled by the new legislation.
The UK's Office of Fair Trading warned in 2005 report that British consumers lose around £1bn a year to various marketing scams often originating overseas.
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