Watchdog targets ‘rip-off merchants’

BUSINESSES ripping off customers by charging higher-than-advertised prices or clocking cars led to the country’s consumer watchdog taking 85 enforcement actions in the past year.

Figures released by the National Consumer Agency (NCA) yesterday showed that in the 12 months to the end of last month, it had issued 40 fines and brought six prosecutions against businesses flouting the laws.

In all, the consumer protection list shows 85 enforcement actions were brought by the NCA against 67 businesses, including 31 compliance notices and a number of prosecutions relating to charging prices higher than the displayed price. Two compliance notices were brought for the watering down of alcoholic drinks, while there were prosecutions for offences, including offering a clocked car for sale. One prohibition notice was served relating to misleading advertising by a furniture company.