Fitr draws closer, consumers are being cautioned to beware of the false promotions and campaigns of products that are being extensively marketed by sellers all over the Kingdom to lure consumers. “Local shoppers are inclined to believe that all promotional stunts being peddled around by hyper supermarkets, malls and large stores selling branded products are the gospel truth. This is not always the case; consumers should be aware of truth in products promotions -- truth in advertising,” a lawyer specializing in consumer protection said. He added that especially close to Eid Al-Fitr, when when companies offer a variety of promotions, consumers should scrutinize the products they are buying. Almost every outlet is now offering bargain sales such as chance to win a car or cash prizes on purchase of specific products. Such promotions offering prizes must be approved by the government and local chambers. However, there is no way to verify whether such prizes have been approved by agencies like the Ministry of Commerce or the local chambers of commerce because promoters usually do not explain to the buyers how and when, for example, raffles for such prizes are to be conducted and the process of choosing winners is usually hidden, the lawyer added. The lawyer advised that buyers should focus on the price of the products being promoted , not just on the promotional value and the prize attached in buying particular products. “Local consumers should be educated in assessing what is truth in product promotions. In this country, however, we tend to close our eyes to this reality,” he said. __
