Press releases
13 September 2006
Going Going Gone! Consumer Direct Warns Against Mock Auctions
Consumer Direct is warning residents across the Yorkshire & Humber region about the risks of attending ‘mock auction’ type sales.
Consumer Direct has received a number of complaints from consumers who have let curiosity get the better of them, and allegedly paid inflated prices for worthless goods.
Organisers of mock auctions usually book a venue for one day and then advertise the event as a clearance sale or stock liquidation. They often distribute leaflets advertising expensive branded goods such as PCs, TVs and Hi-Fi’s at greatly reduced prices.
However, these items are not always available, and the products that are on sale are often cheap, poor quality and in some cases counterfeit.
Many people who attend these sales are drawn into ‘bidding’ for goods that they don’t even see only to discover when it’s too late that they have paid over the odds for cheap and low quality merchandise.
Consumer Direct is advising people to be suspicious if they see promotions for sales at ridiculously low prices.
Consumer Direct Centre Manager John Field says
‘We would like people to think carefully before parting with their money at these sales. The goods you see advertised on display may not be those you get when you hand over your cash. My advice would be that if you’re easily persuaded, you should try to avoid these types of sales, as more often than not people come out disappointed.’
If you are aware of any such sales taking place or if you’ve been caught out then advice is on hand from Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06 or visit the website at www.consumerdirect.gov.uk
