Businesses have been warned not to rob consumers during this Black Friday.

The National Consumer Commission’s (NCC) has reminded suppliers that any goods or services advertised in a misleading, fraudulent or deceptive manner is a violation of the Consumer Protection Act (CPA). The NCC acting commissioner, Thezi Mabuza says this extends to the price of the service or item.

It comes as some consumers have already complained about certain retailers pushing up prices during the Black Friday period and falsely claiming that the item is cheaper now.

Consumers have been encouraged to do their research by knowing the original prices of the item they intend on buying and to determine if it’s a bargain or not.

Suppliers found guilty of violating the CPA could face an administrative fine of a million rand or up to 10% of their total annual turnover, depending on which is greater.

[Header image: Unsplash]