LASCOPA WARNS BUSINESSES AGAINST DECEPTIVE PRICING IN ADVERTISEMENTS

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The Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency (LASCOPA) has issued a stern warning to businesses operating within Lagos State to desist from engaging in deceptive pricing practices in their advertisements.

The General Manager of LASCOPA, Afolabi Solebo Esq., gave the warning through a statement issued on Monday, noting with concern the growing trend of businesses promoting goods and services at misleading prices, only for consumers to encounter hidden charges, inflated costs, or conflicting terms at the point of purchase.

Such practices, according to him, erode consumer confidence and constitute a violation of established consumer protection laws. He emphasised that all advertised prices must be clear, accurate, and all-inclusive. He stated that businesses must ensure that consumers are not misled by ambiguous pricing, false discounts, or bait-and-switch tactics designed to attract unsuspecting customers.

The General Manager further cautioned businesses that organise promotions, discounts, or raffle draws tied to the sale of goods and services to refrain from using vague terms such as “while stock lasts.” Such expressions may infringe on consumer rights if not properly defined. Businesses are, therefore, advised to clearly specify the duration of such offers by stating definite commencement and end dates, as well as applicable conditions.

Solebo reiterated that failure to comply with fair pricing and advertising standards constitutes an offence under the Lagos State Consumer Protection Law “the right to be informed” and will attract appropriate enforcement actions, including penalties, sanctions, and possible prosecution.

“The Agency reiterated that transparency in pricing is fundamental to a fair marketplace and warns that any breach will be met with swift regulatory action”, he said.

The General Manager, therefore, urged all business owners including supermarkets, online vendors, automobile and electronics stores, service providers, and retailers to review their pricing and advertising practices to ensure full compliance with the law.

He also encouraged consumers to report cases of deceptive pricing and misleading advertisements to LASCOPA through its official complaint channels (email:lasgcopa@gmail.com; facebook@lascopa; Instagram:lasgcopa or hotline: 0812 499 3895 / 0915 389 4878

LASCOPA remains committed to protecting consumer rights and ensuring a fair, transparent, educated and competitive marketplace in the State.