Guide · Misleading selling

Sold on a claim
that wasn’t true.

"Only one left." "Fully refurbished." "This price ends today." When the claim that made you buy turns out false, the law offers two doors: unwinding the deal for misrepresentation, and the modern ban on misleading commercial practices, which since 2024 has real redress attached.

1.Misrepresentation: the classic route

Misrepresentation Act 1967 · s.2 · Damages for misrepresentation.
"Where a person has entered into a contract after a misrepresentation has been made to him by another party thereto and as a result thereof he has suffered loss, then,"…
In plain English: A false statement that induced the contract can entitle you to damages, and to rescind (unwind) the contract, even where the seller claims they believed it.
§ Read the full text on legislation.gov.uk →

2.Misleading practices: the modern route

Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024 · s.226 · Misleading actions
"For the purposes of this Chapter, a commercial practice involves a misleading action if the practice involves— (a)the provision of false or misleading information relating to a product, a trader or any other matter relevant to a transactional decision,"…
In plain English: Commercial practices that mislead, including false claims about what a product is, does, or costs, are prohibited outright.
§ Read the full text on legislation.gov.uk →

3.What to do

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This guide covers England and Wales; Scottish and Northern Irish rules can differ. This is guidance to help you understand your rights, not formal legal advice, and we're entirely independent: no affiliation with Citizens Advice, GOV.UK or any law firm. Every quotation above links to the official text so you can check us. Law verified current at July 2026.