MEPs give sales scams the EU red light

The European Parliament has backed proposals to ban telephone prize cons and other dodgy sales scams as part of a new package of EU consumer protection measures.

MEPs on Thursday voted strongly in favour of proposals which are designed to crack down on rogue trading and misleading commercial practices.

The new laws will particularly affect the UK, where there has been a recent rise in the number of people receiving unwanted recorded phone or text messages telling them they have won a prize and to ring back to receive details.

The prize does not exist and the number to ring back is a premium line, usually lasting several minutes – and a price which can cost thousands of euros.

When the scams are based in another country, they fall outside EU consumer laws, but the new rules will make such practices illegal.

“These scams are a real headache for many of my constituents. Not only are the calls an unwanted nuisance, they can also end up costing a lot of money for vulnerable and unsuspecting people,” said UK liberal MEP Diana Wallis.

“The law will apply not only in the UK, but throughout the EU, so scammers will not be able to hide away in other European countries.”

The rules will also outlaw businesses from enticing business by telling customers they are holding closing down sales and then continue selling goods after the “official” closure date.

The legislation is expected to be approved by EU capitals in June, and national governments will then have six years to enforce the new rules.

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