CPC urges vigilance against deceptive festive promotions

THE Consumer Protection Commission (CPC) has urged consumers to remain vigilant against misrepresentation and deceitful promotions during the festive season.

The commission also encouraged shoppers to exercise their rights, be cautious and make informed purchasing decisions to avoid falling victim to unscrupulous business practices.

CPC, established under the Consumer Protection Act (Chapter 14:44), aims to safeguard consumers by promoting a transparent and fair marketplace.

The Act was enacted to protect the consumer of goods and services by ensuring a fair, efficient, sustainable and transparent marketplace for consumers and businesses.

Speaking to Business Chronicle, CPC chairman Dr Mthokozisi Nkosi emphasised the need for consumers to shop wisely.

“We urge consumers to shop wisely as we go for the festive season. Don’t be misled.

“Be alert to misrepresentation and deceitful promotions.

“Ask for information on prices, quality, warranty, and any pertinent information,” he said.

Dr Nkosi further cautioned against overspending during the festive season, reminding consumers to prepare for January, which is traditionally a financially challenging month.

CPC’s main function is to protect consumers, regulate the accreditation of consumer protection advocacy groups, conduct alternative dispute resolution, and promote consumer awareness in collaboration with the relevant line ministries, Government departments, institutions, and advocacy groups.

The commission brings to book unscrupulous businesspeople who engage in unfair practices that include multi-tier pricing, fraudulent offers, failure to label products properly, and the disclosure of consumers’ personal information to third parties.

Under the new regulations, consumers are entitled to be fully refunded for defective or sub-standard goods and can individually approach the courts for redress or refer their complaints to the Commission.

Dr Nkosi said this year the commission went full throttle in carrying out its mandate.

“Notable milestones included the countrywide awareness campaigns on the rights of consumers, the arrest and prosecution of unscrupulous businesses selling counterfeits, underweight goods and measures, expired products among other things,” said Dr Nkosi.

“We have managed to move upward the Consumer Protection Index from below 20 in 2021 to 26 in 2023.”

Since last year, over 2 000 businesses have been prosecuted for consumer rights violations, including selling counterfeit and underweight goods.

These enforcement efforts reflect the Government’s commitment to tightening regulations and promoting ethical business practices. — chroncile