CONSUMER CHAMPION

Don’t get the blues from Black Friday scam

IT’S Black Friday tomorrow, one of the biggest sales of the year as shops slash prices in the run-up to Christmas. There is a long-standing myth that when you buy goods on Black Friday, or during any sale period, you somehow have fewer consumer rights. This is simply not true. Under the Consumer Rights Act 2015 your rights are not in any way different during or after sale periods. Here’s what you need to know:

What if your Black Friday buy is faulty? If you find the goods are faulty within the first 30 days after delivery, you can take them back and demand a full refund. If it’s later, you can ask for a replacement or repair – although the retailer can choose which to provide. If you are told that your rights are “limited” during the sales, it’s absolute nonsense.

What if I change my mind about a Black Friday sales purchase?

The same rules apply as when you buy outside the sales. If you bought in-store, you will need to see what the retailer’s terms and conditions say. If you’re not sure, it’s worth asking this question before buying. If you bought something online, the Consumer Contract Regulations provide that you can change your mind and send the goods back up to 14 days from delivery.

When will online goods arrive?

Generally, within 30 days. If you have a specific date in mind you must stipulate this on purchase. The retailer is responsible for the goods until they are in your hands, unless you authorised them to leave your order outside or with a neighbour. So, if the delivery company loses or damages your package, it’s the retailer’s responsibility to sort it.

So how about Black Friday scams?

Fraudsters are busy during big retail events so it’s important to look out for online and email scams. If an online deal sounds too good to be true, make sure you follow this advice below.

Check to see if a website is safe by checking the URL. Look at the address bar of the website you are on and check to see if the URL starts https://www. – a secure website will have an “s” after the http part. This is important especially if you are on a payment page of a website.

Another thing to look out for is the padlock symbol in the address bar which also indicates that a web page is secure.