In the UK, the Consumer Rights Act 2015 is the main legislation that helps to protect people from being mis-sold something they buy. Being mis-sold something could include things like receiving goods that are not fit for purpose or not what was described by the seller. Companies could make false or misleading claims about the quality or performance of a product. For example, you could have been mis-sold car finance or sold a car on the basis that it met certain environmental standards, but it did not. 

What Are Your Rights Under The Consumer Rights Act 2015?

1. The consumer has the right to receive goods of satisfactory quality, fit for purpose, and as described. The goods must meet reasonable standards to a reasonable person. 

2. The consumer has the right to have any faults or defects in the goods repaired or replaced. 

3. The consumer has the right to a refund if the goods are defective and cannot be repaired or replaced. 

4. The consumer has the right to cancel a contract within 14 days. The “cooling-off period”, allows the consumer to change their mind and cancel the contract without giving a reason.

What Should I Do if I am Mis-Sold Something?

If you have been mis-sold something that is faulty or isn’t fit for purpose, you may be able to claim compensation based on the financial losses, stress, and inconvenience suffered. You may have been pressured into buying something like a pension or retirement investment which has caused you distress and anxiety. 

The first thing you should do is contact the seller directly, explain the issue, and see if you are able to get a refund. They may be able to resolve the matter or they could escalate it. If they fail to solve the problem and you are not happy with the way they are dealing with the situation, you can raise a formal complaint by going through their formal complaints procedure. 

You may be entitled to claim compensation depending on the circumstances as a result of the stress or financial loss caused. You may have had to pay extra costs such as delivery fees to return the item or, if you have been mis-sold a car that you thought met the required environmental standards but did not, you may have had to pay extra fees to repair and modify the car. You can contact a specialist solicitors firm such as Johnson Law Group to see if you are eligible to make a claim.

It is a good idea to keep copies of all the correspondence between you and the company in case you need to provide it as proof later down the line. This includes keeping emails, receipts, and any other documents or records you believe will be relevant to your claim.