Champagne con loses fizz
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A company that tried to con gullible investors into thinking there was money to be made out of expensive Champagne has been closed by the courts at the request of the Department of Trade and Industry, it announced yesterday.
Forrester & Lamego, based in London, was taken to court by the DTI in February accused of selling low-grade Champagne and port at inflated prices. It said the claims made by the company, which has also been declared insolvent, had now been proved to be "exaggerated and misleading".
The High Court heard the company had exploited fears of a pre-millennial Champagne drought to sell its products, and cheated thousands of customers in the process.
It also claimed to be a "vintner of distinction", whereas it was set up last year, and employed eight unskilled telesales staff.
Consumer Affairs minister Nigel Griffiths said it was "imperative" that companies trying to con the public knew that the DTI would be in hot pursuit. And he warned "fledgling investors" not to be fooled by get-rich-quick schemes.
Those that have come to light recently include bogus ostrich farms and illegal lotteries similar to the pyramid selling schemes that brought Albania to the brink of collapse earlier this year.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments