Travel insurance: Tourists warned about fake goods

Friday, 07 March 2008

UK consumers shopping for gifts abroad should ensure that they are making purchases from reputable companies, so they are not victims financially, the UK's payments association Apacs has noted.

Travellers were also urged to use a credit card in these instances rather than a debit card because they are entitled to a greater level of "protection".

If tourists believe that items they have bought, such as an expensive watch, are in fact fakes, then the retailer should be approached, said spokesman Mark Bowerman.

He suggested that section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act 1974 also means that the card company can be contacted if the transaction is lower than £30,000 but above £1,000.

"If there is no one to approach, then you can approach your card issuer, explain the situation to them and then they are liable for that amount of expense so you are refunded by them," he commented.

The ruling was made in the House of Lords and ends legal proceedings started by the office of Fair Trading in 2004.

Travellers should also ensure that they have adequate travel insurance before heading abroad.

Travel insurance - consistently voted the "Best Buy"

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