It’s National Consumer Week: Top tips from Citizens Advice Epsom & Ewell
Press Release 14 November 2022
Shop wisely this sale season and avoid getting less than you bargained for. With Black Friday, Cyber Monday and the holiday season fast approaching, Citizens Advice Epsom & Ewell has released top tips to remind bargain-hunters how to shop safely online.
Citizens Advice Epsom & Ewell top tips for shopping wisely
- Do your research. Before buying from a site you haven’t used before, check it out. See what people have said about the person or company you’re buying from. Look at reviews on different websites – don’t rely on reviews the company has put on its own website. If you’re worried something you’ve seen online might be a scam, you can get help from the Citizens Advice consumer helpline
- Be wise to scams in disguise. If a bargain seems too good to be true, it probably is. If it’s branded but a lot cheaper than it appears on the brand website, it could be fake. It could be a legitimate ‘look-a-like’ product. Either way, it might not be the quality you hoped for.
- Ways to pay. Beware of a seller who asks you to pay by direct bank transfer. Bank transfers have limited protection if things go wrong, so avoid using them. You should only send and receive money through the online marketplace app or website using a debit or credit card, or via trusted methods of payment such as PayPal
- Know your rights. If you’ve bought from a retailer you might be entitled to a replacement product or a repair of your faulty goods. You can even claim a full refund if you can prove the goods are faulty. If you’ve bought from an individual, perhaps via an online marketplace, you have far fewer rights. In fact you have no right to return as long as the goods are ‘as described’. Take a screenshot of the description, check and double check before you buy.
- When things go wrong. Sometimes things just don’t go to plan. If you’ve bought something that’s broken, damaged, unsafe or not what you expected, contact the seller and give them a chance to put it right. If that doesn’t work, contact Citizens Advice consumer helpline.
The top tips mark the start of National Consumer Week, Monday 14 November to Sunday 20 November. The annual campaign is run by Citizens Advice with the Consumer Protection Partnership which includes Trading Standards and the Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy.
Lisa Davis, CEO, Citizens Advice Epsom & Ewell, said:
“Across the borough purse strings are tightening and financial pressures are increasing every day. With sales season fast approaching, it’s vital we recognise the red flags when trying to bag a bargain in the run up to the holidays.
“Anyone can be the victim of a scam. Even the savviest of shoppers can be left getting less than they bargained for. You shouldn’t feel embarrassed if you’re caught out. By knowing how to shop wisely, and what to do if something goes wrong, we can better protect ourselves and each other.”
Media enquiries. Contact Louise Curd, Publicity and Fundraising Manager, Citizens Advice
Epsom & Ewell, email: publicity@caee.org.uk, 01372 300778.
We give people the knowledge and confidence they need to find their way forward – whoever they are, whatever their problem.
Notes for editors
- National Consumer Week is an annual campaign which aims to raise people’s awareness of specific consumer issues, and provide support and advice for those who need it
- Citizens Advice is made up of the national charity Citizens Advice; the network of independent local Citizens Advice charities across England and Wales; the Citizens Advice consumer service; and the Witness Service
- Our network of charities offers impartial advice online, over the phone, and in person, for free
- To get advice online or find your local Citizens Advice, visit citizensadvice.org.uk
- For consumer advice, call the Citizens Advice consumer service on 0808 223 1133.