The presents most likely to prompt complaints

Citizens Advice said Christmas shoppers are most likely to call its consumer service helpline with complaints about tablets and laptops, women’s clothing and toys.

Problems were most likely to relate to defective goods, while one in seven people contacted the service because of misleading claims and descriptions about their purchase; another one in 20 complained that a businesses did not honour their cancellation rights.

To cut down on complaints, and ahead of National Consumer Week, Citizens Advice is teaming up with the Chartered Trading Standards Institute and the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills to educate people about the new Consumer Rights Act which came into force on October 1.

Consumer minister Nick Boles said: “Whether downloading music or buying a fridge freezer, the new Consumer Rights Act makes it easier for shoppers to understand their rights and simplifies the law for businesses.”

A faulty or poor quality product can be returned within 30 days for a full refund, while the new Act also states that products must match the description given. If they do not, the shopper is entitled to a refund.

Important terms and conditions of sale must now be made more prominent too.

But check when a defective item was bought, as the new Act only applies to goods bought after October 1.