‘Tougher laws’ call on rogue traders

Victims of misleading or aggressive sales tactics should be given an easier way of getting their money back, according to the body which reviews and reforms laws in England and Wales.

Scams and rip-offs are common and more needs to be done to drive rogue traders out of business, the Law Commission said.

In some cases, vulnerable elderly and disabled people have been pressured by doorstep sellers of mobility aids who have inflated prices by as much as 400 per cent to vulnerable housebound individuals.

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Research by Consumer Focus found two out of three people have been targeted by unscrupulous traders and the current law is far from clear, the commission said.

Under the proposals, consumers who have been duped or pressured into buying a product they do not want through fake “wins” or “free” goods that come at a cost would have the right to “unwind” the transaction, return the item and get a refund for up to three months after the sale.

Extra losses, for distress and inconvenience, could also be claimed.