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Consumer: Protect your resolutions...
A new year often means new pledges... but make sure you don’t fall foul of small print or rogue traders which could ruin your goals, says Sophie Hazan.
New Year is a time to reflect on the past and look forward to the future.
And many of us will no doubt have made a resolution or two to make some positive changes in 2012.
Millions of people are expected to take up new diets, gym memberships, start looking for a new job or devise a savings plan.
Sadly, unscrupulous traders will be trying to take advantage of such good intentions, warned Graham Hebblethwaite, chief officer of West Yorkshire Trading Standards (WYTS).
He said: “The New Year is a great time to start making positive plans for the future.
“But it is important that consumers are fully aware of the ways in which unscrupulous traders can use misleading practices, ensuring that they are not left worse off by New Year’s good intentions.”
Councillor Neil Taggart, chairman of West Yorkshire Joint Services Committee, which oversees the work of Trading Standards, said: “The New Year is a time of rich picking for scamsters and people with good intentions are a number one target.
“We want West Yorkshire consumers to have a happy and successful New Year, which means being well informed in order to avoid a whole host of potential pitfalls.”
In a bid to keep consumers safe from such potential pitfalls, West Yorkshire Trading Standards has drawn up a list of ‘top tips’.
I will improve my fitness
Traditionally, record numbers of consumers take out gym contracts in January.
Remember it is important to be aware of the terms in the small print.
Gym contracts cannot always be cancelled and may tie you into the contract for a lot longer than you think.
Do not be pressured into signing a contract immediately – take it away and read it at your leisure.
If there is anything you don’t understand, take advice before committing yourself.
If you have entered into an agreement and you are unhappy with the service being provided you may have grounds to argue breach of contract.
I will lose weight
While the New Year may seem like a perfect time to get back into those skinny jeans, be wary of fad diets, misleading statements and exaggerated promises made by companies promising to have a “miracle cure”.
WYTS warns such ‘cures’ are more likely to lighten your wallet than your weight.
You could also put your health at risk as products could be untested and unsafe.
In particular, be wary of internet sellers or small ads offering weight loss supplements such as herbal remedies which promise an easy route to weight loss.
Many consumers have reported falling foul of internet sites where they thought they were subscribing to a free slimming pill trial only to discover they were tied into expensive contracts.
I will revive my finances
Christmas is an expensive period, so January becomes a natural time for people to start saving.
Consumers are warned to be cautious of companies who promise to “clear your debts”.
Bold statements such as these can come with a hefty fee, involve lending more money and are often impossible to achieve.
Trading Standards encourages consumers to be mindful of unscrupulous loan brokers, offering non-existent loans.
Scammers prey upon people, who are already in a lot of debt and desperate for a way out.
Never pay money up front or give out bank account details to cold callers.
Don’t be tempted by illegal money lenders and remember, if you are in debt to a loan shark specialist help is available.
I will find a new job
A fresh start in the New Year compels many people to start looking for a new job or consider supplementing their income with home working schemes.
Unfortunately recruitment scams are common.
Some bogus online companies have promised candidates jobs, taken an upfront payment for a uniform and registration fee and have disappeared without providing anything.
You may be offered cash to stuff envelopes at anything from 25p to £1.50 a go after paying a registration fee.
Never pay money up front and if a job offer looks too good to be true then it almost certainly is.
For further advice contact the government-funded Consumer Direct help line on 08454 04 05 06.
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