(File Photo) Photo for representation only. June 28, 2014. Salim Matramkot © The Peninsula
As part of its Ramadan initiatives, the Ministry of Economy and Commerce yesterday issued advice and guidance to consumers to avoid being cheated by fake advertisements and promotional offers.
Misleading ads or promotional offers are those which contain wrong information about the product or service, encouraging consumers to buy them, said the Ministry, defining the disinformation spread by some retailers.
Any ad with exaggerated information, which does not reflect the reality of the product, whether through online or mobile ads, should be avoided unless the promoter has a shop or fixed premises. Services or products offered by any entity which has no official place to sell or provide the service must be avoided, said the Ministry. Customers have to make sure that the product has certificate of guarantee and accredited centers for providing the service.
Some of the ads and promotions include specifications that contradict the terms and conditions of the contract or the original agreement between the supplier and the client. Some other types of ads and promotions include attractive offers because of the poor quality of the products or the services being promoted.
The initiative, with a package of advice, comes as part of the Ministry’s Ramadan initiatives under the theme #Aqal_Min_Al_Wajeb”, the Arabic for “#The least we can do”. The Ministry has introduced a series of awareness initiatives during Ramadan.
The Ministry has advised anyone receiving a call or contract from anybody promoting offers to avoid buying through phones or mobile. But if it is necessary, said the Ministry, then the customer must take into account the fact that the supplier may use attractive words that do not reflect the reality of the product or the service. In general, people are advised not to buy products from a company or entity which has no headquarters or shops or permanent address in the country.
The prices announced must be fixed as has been announced and the client must get invoice which must be kept safe for any possible claims, said the Ministry yesterday.
If you are not sure whether the promotion is realistic or is found to be misleading, then avoid buying the product or service and report to the Ministry of Economy on the hotline 16001 or official address of the Consumer Protection Department of the Ministry. The Ministry said it is going to intensify inspection campaigns during Ramadan and Eid Al-Fitr, and enforce the law to protect consumers' rights.
