Can Google fob me off with vouchers?
LEAD CASE
Q In November 2021, I bought the new Google Pixel 6 phone (pictured) for £599. This was £222 below the full price because I traded in my Pixel 5. However, the new phone constantly froze, so I returned it within a week and was refunded £599. But for the £222 Google will only give me vouchers to spend in its store. Is this legal?
Russell Coop
A No it’s not. If Google is unable to return Russell’s Pixel 5, then it can’t force him to accept the equivalent price in vouchers. Instead, he’s entitled to the money sent either to his bank or as a cheque.
The only time this wouldn’t be the case is if Russell had traded in vouchers rather than physical goods to get money off the new phone
