UK Consumers Ripped Off With "Useless" Products

A report by consumer magazine Which? has suggested that thousands of consumers within the UK are purchasing useless products which have no value to them whatsoever.

The story which featured in The Guardian highlights ten products which many customers buy without knowing that they could in fact already be covered for them.

Extended warranty is cited as one example. While many companies try to upsell you extended warranties on electrical items and furniture, the reality is you may already be covered. In fact, many UK shoppers are unknowingly covering themselves twice - double insurance as one publication called it.

According to The Daily Mail, "Extended warranties on items from electrical and furniture stores are often not needed as the Sale of Goods Act 1979 offers shoppers redress if an item breaks up to six years after purchase"

Another of the top ten useless products that was address was mobile phone insurance. According to Debt Free, many consumers are already covered by their home contents insurance and taking out a gadget or possessions insurance policy rewards nobody except the salesperson and his commission cheque.

But compareaholic argue that there is room for mobile phone insurance, although it doesn't delve to deeply into any of the other financial products. Mobile phones it argues - particularly smart phones like the iPhone or Blackberry - can cost hundreds of pounds to replace and for many people this could mean starting a new contract again.

While content insurance may cover you for some elements, mobile phone insurance does provide cover for a greater number of problems like water damage. 

While insurance for mobiles may be still up for debate, it is generally agreed that most of the other products could be useless to a growing number of people who are in fact already covered.

Speaking to the Guardian, James Daley concluded by saying:

"Don't just follow what a salesman says – do your own research, speak to an independent financial adviser if you need expert help and make an informed decision about which financial products are right for you."