The CMA has launched a probe into unfair sales tactics including misleading offers, extra charges and drip pricing, which pressures consumers into buying quickly or spending more than they intended.
Following results of an investigation that began in April, the CMA has now sent out 100 advisory letters after reviewing more than 400 businesses.
Holidays, including package travel, topped the list of the 14 types of businesses of concern to the CMA, with 19 advisories sent. This was followed by live events with 15 letters and parking with 14.
However, no travel businesses are among the eight firms into which the CMA has formally launched investigations.
The CMA is taking action under the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act that came into force last year. It covers online pricing tactics, including drip pricing and pressure selling.
'Potentially serious breaches'
Sarah Cardell, CMA chief executive, said: “Since the launch of the new regime, we’ve been working hard to help businesses understand the law. But alongside supporting businesses to comply, we’ve always been clear we will take swift action where we suspect potentially serious breaches of the law.”
The CMA added: “From the outset of the new regime, the CMA has been clear that it will act to protect consumers, support businesses that want to do the right thing and focus early enforcement action on the most egregious practices which are harmful to consumers.
“Consumers need accurate pricing information to know they are getting a fair deal. This is important for consumer confidence when shopping online and impacts economic growth.”
If a company infringes consumer protection law, the CMA can fine it up to 10% of global turnover. If it breaches undertakings it has given the CMA, it could face fines of up to 5% of global turnover, with additional daily penalties for continued non-compliance.
