Latest news with #ConsumerProtectionAuthority
Times of Oman
a day ago
- Business
- Times of Oman
Consumer Protection Authority records over 3,000 commercial violations until June
Muscat: The Consumer Protection Authority (CPA) has recorded a total of 3,141 commercial violations across various governorates of the Sultanate during the first half of 2025, according to a report from its Department of Economic Data and Information. This effort is part of the Authority's commitment to enhancing market surveillance and safeguarding consumer rights. Violation Breakdown by Governorate: • Muscat Governorate led the list with 1,363 violations, which the CPA stated reflects the high level of commercial activity and the diligent work of its inspection teams. • North Al Batinah Governorate followed with 754 violations. • South Al Batinah (Barka) recorded 213 violations. • North Al Sharqiyah had 184 violations. • South Al Sharqiyah recorded 177 violations. • South Al Batinah (Rustaq) had 130 violations. • Al Dhahirah recorded 111 violations. • Dhofar had 88 violations. • Al Dakhiliyah recorded 75 violations. The remaining violations were distributed among other governorates: Al Buraimi (13), Musandam (Khasab) (15), Dibba (11), Al Mazyunah (4), and Al Wusta (3). The CPA emphasised that these figures underscore its commitment to intensifying field inspections to reduce violations and ensure suppliers comply with laws that protect consumer interests and public confidence in the market. The Authority affirmed that it will continue to enforce the law with firmness and take strict legal measures against violators. It also encouraged consumers to report any violations through official channels to help enhance regulatory oversight and promote fair commercial transactions.
Muscat Daily
2 days ago
- Automotive
- Muscat Daily
Over RO10000 refunded to consumer in Sinaw over vehicle dispute
By OUR CORRESPONDENT North Sharqiyah– The Consumer Protection Authority in the wilayat of Sinaw, under the Consumer Protection Department in North Sharqiyah, has successfully mediated a settlement between a consumer and a local vehicle dealership. The case began when a consumer lodged a complaint after discovering a defect in a newly purchased vehicle, despite it being under warranty. The consumer requested a resolution—either through repair, replacement, or a refund—but received no suitable response from the dealership. Following the complaint, the Authority intervened and initiated communication with the involved parties. As a result, a mutual agreement was reached, leading to the termination of the sales contract and a full refund of RO10,058.500, including registration fees. This settlement underscores the Consumer Protection Authority's continued commitment to ensuring fair trade practices and safeguarding consumer rights. The Authority also reminded suppliers to adhere strictly to consumer protection laws to maintain trust and transparency in the market.
Observer
5 days ago
- Business
- Observer
Now, consumers in Muscat can lodge complaints with a QR scan
Muscat: The Consumer Protection Authority (CPA) has launched the QR Code project in commercial stores in the capital, Muscat. Two types of QR codes will be distributed across various commercial stores, each with a specific function. The First Code will connect consumers directly to the Authority's services to easily submit reports and comments, while the Second Code is dedicated exclusively to the judicial enforcement officers of the Authority and will be used to store the commercial establishment's data electronically, eliminating the need for manual entry and confirming the store's compliance with laws and regulations. According to the CPA, the QR code in commercial stores will help establish a direct communication channel between consumers and the Authority's services, save time and effort for judicial enforcement officers, increase the coverage rate of inspected institutions, and provide an accurate and up-to-date database of commercial stores. The initiative is part of a comprehensive plan to generalize the project across various commercial establishments in all governorates of the Sultanate of Oman. This project comes as part of the Authority's ongoing efforts to develop its regulatory tools and leverage modern technologies in a way that strengthens consumer rights protection and ensures institutional compliance with applicable laws and regulations. CPA, which was recently honored among the best service delivery outlets in Muscat Governorate in 2024, in the past week recovered a refund of RO3,000 for a consumer in Al Dakhiliyah Governorate due to the failure to complete the agreed work within the specified period. Over 8,000 Anker mobile chargers, models 2023 to 2025, were recalled. Amounts worth over RO4,000 were recovered by the Consumer Protection Office in Al Suwaiq, due to a vehicle not conforming to the agreed specifications. A commercial establishment in South Al Batinah was sentenced to imprisonment and fined RO1,000 for violating the provisions of the Consumer Protection Law. As per their given rights, consumers can exchange or refund the value of the item within 15 days from the date of purchase. They can exchange or return the item and get a refund if the item is defective or does not meet the agreed-upon standard specifications or purpose. Perishable consumer goods are excluded from exchange and return. 4.
Observer
28-07-2025
- Observer
Be aware of fake consumer protection authority calls
Two days ago, my dad informed me about a spooky incident that occurred to a very close relative. Basically, the relative received an engaging long phone call from a person impersonating an official from the Consumer Protection Authority (CPA). Later, I learnt that a few more of the people I know have also received a similar phone call. My article today will shed light on how the incident plays out so as to share guidance on how one should handle such a situation. At about 11:20 a.m. a phone call was made to our relative from an official-looking +968 prefix number. The caller spoke confidently in Arabic and also knew the name in full. The caller introduced themselves as an official from the Consumer Protection Authority and went on to provide details about a recent complaint that was logged at the Authority's office by the relative. Upon confirming details of the logged complaint (and of course trusting the caller), an attempt to request the bank name, account number, etc., was made by the caller, stating that this information is required in order to refund payments requested by the relative. The relative received an SMS with an actual one-time password (OTP) from the bank. The caller then urgently stated, 'Share the number received' with a pressing voice. Being vigilant and from an industry that practices due diligence, the relative hung up, called the bank on the back of her card, and learnt it was all a scam. This, however, was not the case with a few others I know who were scammed and lost their money as an unfortunate result. Scammers impersonating Oman's Consumer Protection Authority (CPA), banks, and even the Royal Oman Police (ROP) are escalating their game. In 2024, the CPA and ROP's e-crime unit recorded a significant surge in impersonation and phishing calls, with victims losing thousands of rials. A large percentage of these frauds involved victims unknowingly sharing OTPs or card details over the phone, exactly what banks and regulators repeatedly warn never to do. These scams work because of a dangerous mix of psychology and technology. People instinctively comply when someone claims to be from a government body. Scammers often have partial information like your name or phone number, which makes them sound even more convincing. Adding to the illusion, they use number spoofing to make the call appear to come from a local or official-looking number. One needs to be aware that no legitimate authority or bank will ever ask for your OTP, full card details, or CVV over the phone, or even an email or other form of communication such as social media/networks or an instant messaging application (such as WhatsApp or FB Messenger) per se. The safest response is to simply hang up, and even better, report it to ensure others don't get scammed. Our close relative was almost scammed. Luckily (alhamdulillah), she didn't lose a single rial because she paused, verified, and refused to share her OTP (one-time password). I am aware of a number of people who were taken for a ride with similar scams, unfortunately. These scammers continue to find sinister ways to evolve and scam vulnerable people. The best way to fight back is to talk about these scams and report them (as I had illustrated in my previous articles). If this article opened your eyes, share it with your family and friends, as it could save them from losing their financial savings. The more we talk about these scams, the less power fraudsters have over our community. As it's known, sharing is caring. Until we catch up again next week, keep your eyes and mind wide open.
Muscat Daily
23-07-2025
- Muscat Daily
CPA shuts down illegal furniture operation in North Batinah
By OUR CORRESPONDENT Suhar – Judicial enforcement officers from the General Directorate of Consumer Protection in North Batinah have shut down an unlicensed furniture manufacturing and upholstery operation run by expatriate workers in the wilayat of Suhar. The facility was found to be operating in an environment lacking even the most basic health standards. The raid was part of the Directorate's ongoing market surveillance efforts to uphold consumer rights and ensure public health and safety. During routine inspections, officials discovered that furniture production was being conducted in an unauthorised location. A dedicated task force was then formed to investigate the matter further, confirming that the operation was indeed unlicensed and posed health risks to consumers. Authorities cited violations of Article (3) of the Consumer Protection Law, which prohibits the trade of goods or provision of services without meeting health and safety standards or obtaining proper licenses. The operation also breached Article (19) of the Executive Regulations, which prohibits deceptive practices that mislead consumers about the nature, composition, or benefits of a product or service. Legal action has been initiated against those involved. The Consumer Protection Authority reiterated its commitment to combating such violations and urged the public to report any suspicious or unsafe practices through official channels to help safeguard consumer welfare.
