45,000 complain about used car buys

USED CARS bought from independent dealers drew the highest number of complaints from disgruntled consumers in the last year, according to new figures.

Citizens Advice has called on retailers to display consumer rights information at checkouts after more than half a million people complained about shoddy products worth £3.5 billion in the last year.

Figures show 45,000 used car buyers lodged a complaint in the year to February, followed by 12,000 regarding mobile phone contracts and 11,500 about repairs by an independent garage.

In a separate study, consumer group Which? said UK shoppers lost out on an estimated £1.2 billion over the last year by not exercising their right to return goods.

The watchdog is launching a new website to coincide with World Consumer Rights Day tomorrow with advice on problems from shopping rights to travel complaints and mobile phone issues, and help on how to get money back.

Citizens Advice has also called on the Government to do more to help customers by introducing new rules for retailers to provide a standard set of information on consumer rights to be displayed by the till, at the online check-out and given over the phone.

Citizens Advice chief executive Gillian Guy said: "It is outrageous that businesses are taking advantage of customers who don't know their rights.

"For many people, money is so tight right now that it is a real set back if the trader refuses to replace faulty goods or give refunds.

"A quick reminder of your rights displayed at every in-store and online checkout, and said over the phone, would stop arguments at the till between confused customers and poorly informed salespeople. And it will help people tell which traders they can and can't trust."

Consumer minister Jo Swinson said: "We have made significant steps towards strengthening consumer rights and protections since last year including banning unfair practices like excessive charges for card payments. We are working on a Consumer Bill of Rights which will make it clear and easy for consumers to know their rights when buying goods, services or digital content.

"These changes will help consumers immensely and it's important that we make people aware of their legal rights. Which?'s new consumer rights website is a really great tool to point consumers in the right direction and provide them with useful advice and tips."

By Josie Clarke, Press Association