You could not make it up
Bob Tickler passed me an interesting consumer problem.
He had purchased at ASDA a Google voucher for £25 for his godson’s birthday.
It said on the back that it was only compatible with Android appliances so his godson could not use it to buy video games.
His mother, who knows her consumer law, spoke to ASDA customer services who said it could be exchanged in store.
Bob does not have good relations with this store so he inquired if there were other options.
His godson’s mother had asked if it could be changed now for another gift voucher to which she was told:
“We can’t do that as it contravenes money laundering regulations.”
I recall my consumer law lectures and the case of Thornton v Shoe Lane Parking in which Lord Justice Denning ruled that an exemption clause on the back of a packing ticket was unenforceable as it was provided after the point of sale when the contract was made.
Similarly I do not see how Google or ASDA can rely upon the wording on the back of the voucher. The problem is that consumer cases involve small amounts and are rarely tested in the courts unless, of course, money laundering is involved.
