Fair Trading Act: Who Qualifies and What You Get
Learn how the Fair Trading Act protects you from misleading or deceptive business practices and what to expect when reporting a problem.
The Fair Trading Act is a set of rules designed to ensure that businesses act honestly when selling goods or services to the public. It provides a framework to keep the marketplace fair for everyone involved in buying and selling.
Who it's for
This protection is available to all consumers. If you are purchasing goods or services, you are covered under these regulations to ensure you are not being treated unfairly by a business.
What you get
The primary benefit is protection against misleading or deceptive conduct. This means businesses are legally required to be truthful in their dealings with you. Specifically, the act protects you from misleading advertising, where a business might use false claims to convince you to buy something. By having these rules in place, you can navigate the marketplace with more confidence, knowing there are standards for how businesses must present their products and services to you.
What it costs you
It does not cost you anything to report a business that you believe is acting unfairly. There is no fee required to bring a concern to the attention of the relevant authority.
The catch to know
It is important to understand the purpose of the reporting process. While reporting a business is a vital part of maintaining fair trade, reporting a problem does not guarantee that you will personally get your money back. The main function of the act is enforcement; it is used by authorities to ensure businesses comply with the law and to prevent deceptive practices from continuing in the wider market.
How to apply
- Collect all relevant evidence regarding the business's conduct, such as copies of misleading advertising, screenshots, or receipts.
- Prepare a clear account of what happened and why you believe the conduct was deceptive.
- Contact the relevant government body to submit your report and provide your evidence.
- Wait for the authority to review the information to determine if further enforcement action is required.