Almost half of UK-based travel websites make potentially
misleading claims, which breach four different sets of consumer
regulations, according to an investigation by the Office of Fair
Trading.The investigation, part of the International
Consumer Protection and Enforcement Network Sweep, found that 54
out of 135 UK-based websites analysed contained claims, that could
mislead web users.
Claims being investigated under the Control of
Misleading Advertising Regulations include:
- “Hot deals” on a front page that bear no resemblance to the
prices of the holiday actually available on the website.
- An advertisement stating “Australia from £599”, when the
cheapest price was £891.60.
- A claim of “up to 70% discount off worldwide hotel rooms” with
no further mention of any savings or discounted deals.
More than 100 additional potential breaches of
consumer legislation were identified under the E-Commerce
Regulations, Unfair Terms in Consumer Contract Regulations, Package
Travel Regulations and Distance Selling Regulations, the OFT
said.
UK-based sites identified as making
potentially deceptive, misleading or false claims (and/or who have
breached other consumer laws) are being pursued either by local
trading standards or the OFT with a view to taking further
action.
OFT chairman John Vickers said, “The internet
is a valuable and expanding resource for consumers and for
business. Online shoppers must have the same protection afforded by
the high street, and if traders breach fair trading law, the OFT
will pursue them.”