How to turn off in-app purchases on an iPad
A guide to how to turn off in-app purchases on an iPad to avoid potentially running up expensive costs.
Formal inquiry tries to ease motorist pain at the pumps
The Office of Fair Trading has delighted some by asking for evidence to see if consumers are being ripped off by petrol companies.
Office for Fair Trading to investigate petrol prices
The OFT issued a "call for information" today as it looks at whether reductions in the price of crude oil are being passed on to motorists.
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OFT draft proposals for 'pay to play' games
Preliminary guidelines by the OFT say online game payments made by children will not be deemed authorised, and should not be taken, unless the account holder - such as a parent - has given their informed consent.
It also said that consumers should be told upfront about potential costs for playing the games.
OFT: Industry must follow new rules or face action
– OFT executive director Cavendish ElithornThe way the sector has worked with us since we launched our investigation is encouraging, and we've already seen some positive changes to its practices.
These principles provide a clear benchmark for how games makers should be operating. Once they are finalised, we will expect the industry to follow them, or risk enforcement action.
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Gaming industry warned over 'aggressive practices'
The online gaming industry has been warned over "pay to play" games that target impressionable youngsters, under proposed principles drawn up by the Office of Fair Trading.
An OFT investigation found that some games include "potentially unfair and aggressive commercial practices to which children may be particularly susceptible", such as implying that the player would somehow be failing other players, or characters, if they did not buy content.
The regulator said such practices blurred the distinction between spending virtual currency and real money and used statements or images to encourage children to make a purchase.
How to turn off in-app purchases on an iPad
A guide to how to turn off in-app purchases on an iPad to avoid potentially running up expensive costs.
Read the full storyFormal investigations begun against some payday lenders
– David Fisher, OFT Director of Consumer CreditWe have uncovered evidence that some payday lenders are acting in ways that are so serious that we have already opened formal investigations against them. It is also clear that, across the sector, lenders need to improve their business practices or risk enforcement action.
Our report shows that a large number of payday loans are not repaid on time. I would urge anyone thinking about taking out a payday loan to make sure they fully understand the costs involved so they can be sure they can afford to repay it.
OFT highlights payday concerns in new report
The actions are set out in a progress report published as part of the Office of Fair Trading's compliance review of the payday lending sector. It highlights concerns about:
- The adequacy of checks made by some lenders on whether loans will be affordable for borrowers.
- The proportion of loans that are not repaid on time.
- The frequency with which some lenders roll over or refinance loans.
- The lack of forbearance shown by some lenders when borrowers get into financial difficulty.
- Debt collection practices.
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Payday loan investigation launched
by Chris Choi - Consumer EditorThe Office of Fair Trading has just launched a new investigation into payday loans. Officials are today writing to all 240 payday firms warning them of bad practices.
The Office of Fair Trading says debt collection and affordability checks are big concern.
Formal inquiry tries to ease motorist pain at the pumps
The Office of Fair Trading has delighted some by asking for evidence to see if consumers are being ripped off by petrol companies.
Read the full storyAverage UK petrol prices for September
The latest figures showing average UK fuel prices, according to PetrolPrices.com, a website designed to save motorists money.
David Cameron's spokesman says OFT needs to investigate fuel prices
Commenting of the Office of Fair Trading's announcement that it is to conduct an investigation into UK fuel prices, David Cameron's official spokesman said:
– Spokesman for David CameronClearly, the OFT is independent and this is a matter for them.
But if they think that there are problems in the way these markets are functioning and that is having an adverse effect on consumers, then they need to investigate.