Eddie Peters
Registered User
- Messages
- 56
There appears to be a growing number of businesses that are advertising their services as 'Free' but in reality this is false advertising. Maybe I'm just becoming an old fuddy-duddy but recently I've come across two such instances:
- Vodafone's so-called free calls & texts to any mobile and landline when you top up with €20 every 30 days. Maybe I'm being a bit pernickety but a 'top-up of €20 every 30 days' is paying for that service - and without topping up I would not receive the so-called 'Free' calls and texts.
- Opticians advertising a "Free Eye Exam" in large print... but then point out that only qualified PRSI customers (and Medical Card Holders) are entitled to the freebie. It is probably one of the few diminishing benefits that a working PRSI and tax-paying individual is entitled to for their Pay Related Social Insurance tax every two years (along with dental check-ups - but I haven't seen dentists advertise in this way).
I'm sure there are many more examples but I can't see why the Consumer watchdog doesn't stop this blatant false advertising. The last time I checked the word 'Free' meant taking nothing from my pocket, nada, zilch, gratis. I am a disgruntled poster this morning. Maybe cornflakes will help.
Edward
- Vodafone's so-called free calls & texts to any mobile and landline when you top up with €20 every 30 days. Maybe I'm being a bit pernickety but a 'top-up of €20 every 30 days' is paying for that service - and without topping up I would not receive the so-called 'Free' calls and texts.
- Opticians advertising a "Free Eye Exam" in large print... but then point out that only qualified PRSI customers (and Medical Card Holders) are entitled to the freebie. It is probably one of the few diminishing benefits that a working PRSI and tax-paying individual is entitled to for their Pay Related Social Insurance tax every two years (along with dental check-ups - but I haven't seen dentists advertise in this way).
I'm sure there are many more examples but I can't see why the Consumer watchdog doesn't stop this blatant false advertising. The last time I checked the word 'Free' meant taking nothing from my pocket, nada, zilch, gratis. I am a disgruntled poster this morning. Maybe cornflakes will help.
Edward
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