Case opened: 18 February 2010
Case closed: 8 February 2011
OFT own-initiative investigation
Non-delivery of goods, potential non-existence of goods; false contact details
Enterprise Act 2002, Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008
On 8 February 2011, the OFT requested an internet service provider to take down a number of websites that the OFT believed breached UK consumer protection legislation.
This investigation was opened by the OFT on its own initiative following complaints to Consumer Direct and online consumer message boards. The sites in question purported to sell electronic goods, but consumers complained that when they attempted to make a purchase their credit or debit card was declined. In some cases, money was subsequently transferred from the consumer's bank account. The OFT believes that the contact details provided on these websites were also either made up or taken from people whose card details had been stolen.
The OFT investigated a number of concerns and potential breaches of consumer protection legislation likely to harm the collective interests of consumers, including the following:
Any consumer who attempted to purchase goods from any of the listed sites should be aware that their credit or debit card may have been compromised, and should contact their bank or credit card provider at the earliest opportunity.
Team Leader: Andrew Paton (andrew.paton@oft.gsi.gov.uk, 020 7211 8687
Case Director: Jason Freeman (jason.freeman@oft.gsi.gov.uk, 020 7211 8262)
Senior Responsible Owner: Heather Clayton (heather.clayton@oft.gsi.gov.uk, 020 7211 8826)
Any media enquiries should be directed to a member of our Press Office.
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