Customers loans to be written off by Wonga Around 330,000 Wonga customers are to have their debts written off, thanks to action by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). Under the voluntary requirement, borrowers who arecurrently 30 days or more in arrears will have the balance of their loan written off, and will owe Wonga nothing. Around 45,000 customers who are between zero and 29 days in arrears will be asked to repay their debt without interest and charges. They will also be given the option of paying off their debt over an extended period offour months. The FCA took over consumer credit regulation in April this year, and requested information about the volumeof Wongas relending rates. This information suggested the company was not taking adequate steps to assess customers ability to meetrepayments. Wonga had until 10 October to contact customers to notify them if they will be included in the redress programme. The FCA will continue to work with Wonga to identify whether any other remedial action is required. Clive Adamson, director of supervision at the FCA, said: We are determined to drive up standards in the consumer credit market, and it is disappointing that some firms still have a way to go to meet our expectations. This should put the rest of the industry on notice theyneed to lend affordably and responsibly. Wonga has introduced interim lending criteria that should improve the customer experience. It is also working to put in place a new, permanent lending decision platform as soon as possible. The FCA has also required Wonga to appoint a skilled person to monitor the new lending decision platform, to ensure it has the desired effect. This person will report to the FCA and give an independent view of the firms activities. First seizure made of fake Rugby World Cup tops Highland Trading Standards officers have been involved in the UKs first seizure of counterfeit goods for the Rugby World Cup 2015 in England. The seizure was relatively small, but equated to several hundred pounds worth of rugby shirts purporting to be carrying the official Rugby World Cup logo. The fake garments included versions with insignia for Scotland, New Zealand, South Africa and Fiji. The rugby shirts were on sale through a local business, and were seized. The individual concerned had sourced the merchandise from the Far East, and has since signed a formal undertaking for the purposes of Part 8 of the Enterprise Act 2002. Director of the tournament, Alan Gilpin, stated: This is a very positive development for Rugby World Cup 2015 for fans around the world and we would like to thank Highland Trading Standards for their support. Fan experience is at the heart of the tournament and our message to everyone is to ensure they buy Rugby World Cup 2015 merchandise, tickets, hospitality and supporter tours from official sources only, to avoid missing out. CHRISDORNEY / SHUTTERSTOCK Former Harley Street doctor loses appeal Last month, a Westminster Trading Standards investigation was vindicated in court when an appeal against nine convictions under the Cancer Act failed. In March this year, Errol Denton then operating out of Harley Street and Dubai was found guilty of nine breaches of the Cancer Act 1939, at Westminster Magistrates Court. Under the Act, it is an offence to advertise an offer to treat any person for cancer... to give any advice in connection with the treatment thereof. Denton used Twitter and blogs to advertise his nutritional microscopy services, which he provided at a clinic at No 1 Harley Street, in London. In particular, he claimed through advertisements that his services could help treat cancer. Denton appealed against the convictions at Southwark Crown Court, but that appeal was refused. The judge asserted that: i) the tweets and online posts were adverts ii) they did offer to treat, or cure, cancer iii) Denton was responsible for posting them Sue Jones, Westminster Trading Standards manager, said: Mr Denton is the second person Westminster Trading Standards team has prosecuted under the Cancer Act this year, proving that while it may date back to 1939 the legislation is every bit as relevant today. The judge decided that the fines imposed on Denton at the original trial may not reflect his ability to pay. Accordingly, they were reduced to 500 for each of the nine convictions. However, he was told that if he did not pay the total of 4,500 within three months he faces a possible jail sentence. In addition to the original court costs of 9,821, the judge imposed appeal costs of 2,500, plus a victim surcharge of 50 per conviction amounting to 2,950. New consumer rights for victims of rogue traders The Consumer Protection (Amendment) Regulations 2014 came into force on 1 October. The new regulations give consumers the right to get their money back if they are misled or intimidated when buying orsigning a contract for goods or services. Under the Consumer Protection (Amendment) Regulations 2014, anyone who has been a victim of misleading or aggressive sales practices can demand either a full refund if they act within 90 days or a discount on the price. If the unfair practice has caused them additional loss, they may also be able to claimdamages. High-pressure selling tactics are commonplace, and a large proportion of such victims are among the most vulnerable in society, with housebound and older people facing a particular threat from aggressive doorstep selling. These new regulations are the result of a review conducted by the Law Commission and the Scottish Law Commission, at the request the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills. They fill the gaps in consumer protection left by the Consumer Protection from Unfair Commercial Practices Regulations 2008. These made it a criminal offence for traders to mislead or intimidate customers, but did not give customers a right of redress.