Constituents travelling overseas have contacted me with concerns about some of the companies providing PCR tests that are required for international travel. Whilst most providers act correctly clearly there are rogue operators that are using the pandemic to rip-off consumers.
So I am delighted with this week's the Government and consumer protection agencies have taken action to crack down on malpractice to protect travellers. They've clearly stated that enforcement action against companies that:
- advertise up-front prices for PCR tests which do not include additional charges that everyone must pay
- advertise cheap PCR tests which are only actually available in very small quantities or are not available at all
- fail to deliver PCR tests or provide results within stated timescales, or at all
- refuse to provide consumers with refunds where tests are not provided within advertised and/or agreed timescales, or at all.
Additionally, the Government has warned 82 companies that they will be removed from the Government list of recommended providers if they advertise misleading prices. There is no excuse for rip off practices or bad service exploiting people that are required to have these tests when travelling overseas.
You can find out more details about this important consumer campaign here.