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As consumers prepare to spend their hard earned money during  Black Friday, the  National Consumer Commission’s (NCC) Ms. Thezi Mabuza sends a warning to suppliers not to deploy misleading advertising tactics to lure consumers into making purchases.

Ms. Mabuza said, the Consumer Protection Act (CPA) makes it prohibited conduct for any supplier to market any goods or services in a manner that is misleading, fraudulent or deceptive in any way. “This includes the price at which the price may be supplied or the relationship of the price to any previous price or competitor’s price for comparable or similar goods or services”, she added.

The NCC also takes this opportunity to remind consumers in the Republic that it is important for one to know the original prices of items they intend buying during this period and satisfy themselves whether  the sale price is indeed a bargain or not.

The purpose of the CPA among others is to promote fair business practices while protecting consumers from unconscionable, unfair, unreasonable practices. To ensure that the Commission fully protect consumers and enforce the provisions of the Act, consumers are urged to monitor and report these tactics to the Commission.

Suppliers found to have contravened the Act may face an administrative fine of One Million Rands or up to 10% of their total annual turnover, whichever is the greater.

“We remind consumers to be vigilant before parting ways with their money. Consumers are also reminded that it is within their rights not to accept defective goods from any supplier” she concluded.

Issued by National Consumer Commission