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Steps to take if you have been ripped-off by a copy-cat government website
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So which law is it that these sites are breaking then?
I'm sure all their "victims" would like to know as it will be amunition from them in their attempt to get a refund
Did I say these sites T&Cs were breaking any laws. Lets see, NO I didn't.
The post was a general "read T&Cs" statement, mine stated T&Cs don't override Law. Whats your problem with that.powerful_Rogue wrote: »I haven't said the terms and conditions do override the law.
Mine was a general T&Cs point as well. gb12345 had a problem with that as he didnt read or understand the point.0 -
You've already been shown.
!!!!!! :rotfl:
Once again, heres the ASA ruling
Show me where the current site has fixed these problems.We were concerned, however, that that information was included in the body copy of the ad and users had to scroll down the page before they were presented with a full explanation of the service. In addition, we noted that bold headline text at the top of the page stated "Complete your passport application online ..." and was accompanied by a number of "Apply now" buttons. We considered that a number of consumers, particularly those who had clicked through from a sponsored link, might have accessed the application form without reading the text further down the home page, and would therefore be unaware of the true nature of the service. Because of that, we concluded that the ad was misleading. On that point, ad (b) breached CAP Code (Edition 12) rules 3.1 and 3.3 (Misleading advertising).
https://www.passport-uk.co.uk/
:rotfl:0 -
"Steps to take" simply means excersing the rights of a consumer who strongly believe he has been ripped-off by T&C's of these websites.
It simply does not mean or guarantee you a refund and no where I have mentioned this in my post. Hope that is clear.
Peace. Now back to discussion
Firstly when people come to Money Saving Expert they will assume the threads contain expert advice especially with official looking headings. Your thread looks official so gives the impression that the consumer will indeed get a refund if they take those steps.
The funny thing about this thread is it contains the same misleading traits that your complaining about. It's not clear that this is an official thread by MSE. No where do you mention in the opening post that this may well not work, it's hidden way down in other posts almost like the terms and conditions that the people wishing to use this thread don't read anyway.
I think so as not to be a case of double standards you should edit your opening post making it clear that this advice is not from MSE & also make it clear you can't guarantee this will work.0 -
powerful_Rogue wrote: »More like you didnt know how to answer it!
Please explain how this is "misrepresentation" and I will explain why it isnt.
1) The site advises on its home page and in its t&c's that it is a check and send service.
2)The site has warnings advising it is not connected the HMPO.
3) The site offers a comparison between its service and that of HMPO.
4) It offers a direct link to HMPO.
5) The OFT have found the site to be legal.
Hello Natwest? Id like a chargeback please. I purchased something I didnt want because I didnt bother to read what the site offered. I also said I agreed to the terms and conditions but didnt bother to read them either.
Site is a misrepresentation because it says "passport application".
What the consumer is getting here for the price he or she is not an "application". The application in its "paper form" is a property of HMPO since it is designed and printed at their IPS print centres.
Ok, then What is he/she is paying for?
He or she is simply keying in personal details. These con sites simply charge £69 for "re-keying" all that personal data to the real passport website. They are allowed to do so because they are registered at ICO to handle personal data. Of course they are a registered entity in companies house too. The above two are legal "front faces" for the con and the rip-off for £69.
To add cherry on the above well cooked "coning-cake", the website exempts the consumer under distant selling act. So of course, they will then ask the consumer to "read" read...read......t&c just like you folks:rotfl:
I hope it is now clear where misrepresentation is.0 -
powerful_Rogue wrote: »1) The site advises on its home page and in its t&c's that it is a check and send service.
2)The site has warnings advising it is not connected the HMPO.
5) The OFT have found the site to be legal.
The ASA however had concerns about the site, and on the 4th December 2013 asked the company to rectify the problems. The specific problems that the ASA mentions have still not been rectified.
https://www.passport-uk.co.uk/We were concerned, however, that that information was included in the body copy of the ad and users had to scroll down the page before they were presented with a full explanation of the service. In addition, we noted that bold headline text at the top of the page stated "Complete your passport application online ..." and was accompanied by a number of "Apply now" buttons. We considered that a number of consumers, particularly those who had clicked through from a sponsored link, might have accessed the application form without reading the text further down the home page, and would therefore be unaware of the true nature of the service. Because of that, we concluded that the ad was misleading. On that point, ad (b) breached CAP Code (Edition 12) rules 3.1 and 3.3 (Misleading advertising).
Heres how the site looks now
http://oi42.tinypic.com/21jafkk.jpg
As you can see the problems have not been rectified.0 -
Site is a misrepresentation because it says "passport application".
What the consumer is getting here for the price he or she is not an "application". The application in its "paper form" is a property of HMPO since it is designed and printed at their IPS print centres.
Ok, then What is he/she is paying for?
He or she is simply keying in personal details. These con sites simply charge £69 for "re-keying" all that personal data to the real passport website. They are allowed to do so because they are registered at ICO to handle personal data. Of course they are a registered entity in companies house too. The above two are legal "front faces" for the con and the rip-off for £69.
To add cherry on the above well cooked "coning-cake", the website exempts the consumer under distant selling act. So of course, they will then ask the consumer to "read" read...read......t&c just like you folks:rotfl:
I hope it is now clear where misrepresentation is.
Thats because it is a passport application. Its a check and send service. They assist you in your passport application!
You provide the details, they check the details and place them on the application form which they then post to you.
Again, where is the misrepresentation?0 -
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Money-Saving-King wrote: »Firstly when people come to Money Saving Expert they will assume the threads contain expert advice especially with official looking headings. Your thread looks official so gives the impression that the consumer will indeed get a refund if they take those steps.
The funny thing about this thread is it contains the same misleading traits that your complaining about. It's not clear that this is an official thread by MSE. No where do you mention in the opening post that this may well not work, it's hidden way down in other posts almost like the terms and conditions that the people wishing to use this thread don't read anyway.
I think so as not to be a case of double standards you should edit your opening post making it clear that this advice is not from MSE & also make it clear you can't guarantee this will work.
Compare my first post with this which article, which is a consumer forum.
I have added nothing more nothing less. If you still think my post needs edit, report it......0 -
It amazes me (although it probably shouldn't) that people will happily hand over their card details to a random website that they can't even be bothered to read.
Even after they've [STRIKE]been scammed[/STRIKE] received the service they have paid for, a lot of them don't realise how daft that is.
Others are advising you to READ what you are paying for because it is such a simple thing to do! Take some bloody responsibility and stop blaming everyone else.0
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