A nurse shares her harrowing experience of losing her entire pension to a sophisticated scam, urging others to be wary of unsolicited messages promising high returns on pension transfers. She highlights the vulnerability that can arise during challenging times and the devastating impact of such scams on individuals and families.
The European Court of Justice has ruled that products like disinfectants cannot be advertised as ‘skin friendly.’ The decision was made after a German court sought clarification on a case involving a drugstore chain that used the label. The court stated that such claims are misleading and can imply a product is beneficial for the skin, while ignoring potential risks.
Despite projected industry profits, travelers remain vulnerable to scams targeting their itineraries. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) has documented numerous instances of fake flight-cancellation alerts and other deceptive tactics aimed at consumers seeking affordable online flight deals. Scammers often imitate well-known airlines, luring victims into providing personal and financial information. To protect yourself from these scams, stay vigilant and follow the BBB’s recommended tips.
At the annual conference, the industry is urged to embrace prudent risk-taking for long-term returns, fostering a technology-driven UK export powerhouse. The shift from safetyism to embracing risk is crucial, as is rethinking the ‘hierarchies of harm’ and focusing on broader societal benefits. The conference emphasizes the need to enhance the industry’s role in society, promote long-term investment benefits, and ensure financial security for all.
The European Union has approved new electricity market regulations designed to mitigate price surges, safeguard consumers and businesses, and accelerate the transition to clean energy. The revised framework empowers governments to cap prices during times of crisis and promotes investments in renewable and nuclear power. The reforms aim to enhance energy security, affordability, and transparency in the EU’s internal market.
California’s ‘Honest Pricing Law,’ effective July 1, 2024, will introduce mandatory transparent pricing practices for businesses, including cruise lines. This legislation aims to prevent deceptive pricing and empower consumers with upfront total cost information. Cruise industry giants like Carnival Corp., Royal Caribbean International, and Norwegian Cruise Line will have to disclose all additional charges, such as taxes and port fees, in their advertised prices.
Ryanair has strongly condemned eDreams CEO Dana Dunne over false statements made to the Spanish media regarding competitive pricing. Ryanair maintains that eDreams and its Prime subscription scheme engage in consumer deception and overcharging. Ryanair’s CEO, Michael O’Leary, demands an explanation from Dunne on the conflicting statements made to investors and regulators, as well as the unlawful screenscraping of Ryanair’s website. The airline calls on the Spanish Consumer Affairs Minister to ban eDreams’ Prime program and halt its misleading marketing practices that harm Spanish consumers.
Major US airlines are suing the Biden administration over a new rule that requires them to disclose all service fee charges with the airfare. The airlines argue that the rule is beyond the Transportation Department’s authority and that it will harm competition. The Transportation Department says the rule is needed to protect consumers from being surprised by unexpected fees.
The consumer affairs ministry is launching a podcast to raise awareness about fraudulent practices and educate consumers about their rights. The podcast will feature storytelling formats to explain the experiences of fraud victims and the resolution of their problems. It will be released on social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube. The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has also launched an e-court facility for State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (SCDRC) in Chandigarh, Punjab, Haryana, Maharashtra, and Delhi. This e-court will facilitate easy e-filing of complaints by consumers for speedy and hassle-free resolution of their grievances.
The Supreme Court of India has ruled that celebrities, social media influencers, and others who endorse products hold equal responsibility for misleading advertisements. This ruling came during a hearing of a case filed by the Indian Medical Association against Patanjali Ayurved for allegedly making false claims in its advertisements.
