Store forgot to remove clothing security tag? Never ever try to remove it yourself

Consumer journalist Wendy Knowler joins Relebogile Mabotja for Knowler Knows, answering listeners consumer related queries.

Listen below

Picture the scene.

You're out at the mall, a gorgeous jersey catches your eye. You buy it, but when you get home you realise the security tag is still on.

What do you do?

Well, whatever you do, don't attempt to remove the tag yourself, warns consumer journalist Wendy Knowler.

This is the exact scenario one consumer found herself in recently and the situation was not resolved in her favour.

Why? 

Knowler explains.

"The jersey was damaged when the cashier tried to remove it [the tag].

Wendy Knowler, Consumer journalist

"The shop told the Ombud it was the customer who had damaged the security tag while trying to remove it herself with what looked like pliers or something similar."

Wendy Knowler, Consumer journalist

The Ombud found in favour of the store, saying the garment was not defective on purchase but became defective after leaving the store because the security tag was tampered with.

"The lesson is don't fiddle with the security tag if the store fails to remove it...take photos of the intact tag attached to your undamaged purchase so you can prove you weren't to blame."

Wendy Knowler, Consumer journalist