greater protection for consumers when abroad
The recent decision in Office of Fair Trading (OFT) v
Lloyds TSB Bank plc & Others (2007) has provided greater
protection for consumers when travelling or making purchases
abroad. Since its implementation, the Consumer Credit Act has
provided protection for consumers when entering into contracts
within the UK. Consumers now have the same rights of action against
the credit card company in circumstances where the transaction took
place abroad.
This is helpful for the traveller. Previously it has been very
difficult and often too expensive to pursue a claim in a foreign
land for breach of contract or following an accident abroad.
Language difficulties and the problems associated with instructing
foreign legal representatives often make pursuing a claim abroad an
unappealing option for UK consumers.
At Blake Lapthorn we have already seen the positive effects
of the ruling in the OFT case. We have acted successfully for
clients who have suffered losses abroad. The advice is to use your
credit card whilst abroad so that you have the protection of the
Consumer Credit Act when you return home.
