Unsolicited goods

Q: A few weeks ago I received some music CDs from a company that I know I hadn’t ordered anything from.

I thought no more of it, but the company is now asking for money, and if I do not pay it is threatening to take me to court. Do I have to pay for these CDs?

A: If you are sent unsolicited goods, which means you gave the business no indication at all that you wanted to buy the goods sent to you, then the CDs received are unconditionally yours and you do not have to return them or pay for them. In fact, the Distance Selling Regulations specifically prohibit traders from sending unsolicited goods or provide services that consumers have not ordered and subsequently ask for payment.