New Life receives PLN 1.2 mln fine for misleading consumers - UOKiK

The Office of Competition and Consumer Protection (UOKiK) imposed a penalty of more than PLN 1.2 million on New Life for deliberately misleading consumers to come to a trade show and buy the products offered at high prices. The consumer watchdog said the company used numerous manipulations, ranging from hiding the true purpose of the meeting and promising non-existent gifts, to giving the impression of a unique price advantage.

“Telemarketers gave consumers the impression that for the mere participation in the meeting they would get: a notebook, a multifunctional cleaning robot, an automatic coffee machine, or a steam mop," UOKiK said. In fact, these gifts did not exist.

New Life representatives informed consumers about high catalog prices and offered big discounts. In reality, however, the goods were never sold at catalog price. "By using the technique of runaway promotion, they created the impression of a special price advantage" - UOKiK explained.

(PAP)