5 big lies that companies tell us! - Video Script

Avoid being conned by companies! Emma Roberts reveals the fattest lies that companies feed us.

Have you been stung with an unfair parking ticket or conned into signing up for an unsuitable mobile phone contract? Well, don’t panic, you can get out of these sticky situations and loads more, by knowing the biggest lies that companies tell us.

I’m taking to the streets to find out how clued up people really are. For example, if you are caught travelling on the train without a valid ticket, do you have to pay the fine?

(Vox pop answers)

If you can’t get hold of a ticket because of a broken machine or a really long queue, you don’t have to pay the fine. This is because section 8 of the Penalty Fares Rules states that a penalty fare cannot be charged if there were no facilities available for selling the ticket. Just make sure you take a photo if you can of the unreasonable queue for evidence.

And for drivers, what can you do if you’re issued an unfair parking ticket?

(Vox pop answers)

If you’re stung with an unfair parking ticket, you can visit a website that will complain on your behalf, such as Penalitychargenotice.com. This website also gives loads of legal advice on how to proceed with an appeal and hopefully get your money back.

We all use mobile phones, but is there any way of getting out of a contract after signing on the dotted line?

(Vox pop answers)

When you take up a new mobile phone contract, you have 14 days to change your mind. However, further on down the line, if you move to a house and find out you have really bad signal coverage, you can get out of the contract. However, you do have to be willing to take your network to court, so check out The Consumer Direct website for your full rights.

Now to consumer rights. Many shops mislead people into thinking they have to return items within a month, but is this true?

(Vox pop answers)

Don’t stand for shoddy services or items! According to the Sale of Goods act, if your item is not of satisfactory quality or not fit for its purpose, you can take it back even after a month.

But what if the company still refuses to pay you?

(Vox pop answers)

If you buy something that costs over £100 using a credit card, you are protected under section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act. This helpful legislation means that if a company refuses to give you a refund on an unsatisfactory product or goes bust, your credit card provider is libel to give you a refund. If your credit card providers are being difficult, chase it up with the Chief executive in writing.

So there you go, make sure you know about these lies that companies tell us. It will save you loads of cash and hassle!