Wowcher investigated over allegedly misleading consumers with urgency claims
The watchdog has said that certain practices may put "pressure" on consumers and imply they must act quickly.
Friday 31 March 2023 14:22, UK
An investigation has been launched into whether Wowcher placed "unfair pressure" on their customers through different practices.
On Friday, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) said it is examining whether the deals platform business "misled consumers" by using countdown timers and other practices on their website.
The probe comes two days after the watchdog announced a crackdown on online pressure-selling tactics retailers use to potentially speed up decision-making.
The watchdog will look into the use of the timers, which tell shoppers deals will soon disappear, as well as how the business enrols consumers on its membership scheme.
Sarah Cardell, chief executive of the CMA, said: "People who buy online should not be pressurised by practices implying that they must act quickly to avoid missing out, when this is not the case."
Ms Cardell said that if the company uses these misleading tactics, the watchdog "won't hesitate to take enforcement action, through the courts if necessary."
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The CMA has said that this is the second investigation opened into "urgency claims" and that "all companies should take note and review their own practices".
A Wowcher spokesman said: "Wowcher's mission has always been to help save our customers' money with the best, exclusive offers from thousands of our merchants across the UK.
"This has never been more important than in this challenging economic environment.
"We support the aims of the CMA's investigation and will work with them to ensure that our customers have the best possible experience when they shop with us."