ABSTRACT
The National Newspaper Mail Order Protection Scheme (MOPS), a scheme operated by the Periodical Publishers Association (and the Scottish Daily Newspaper Society and the Scottish Newspaper Publishers Association) was introduced in 1975 as a means of safeguarding readers’ money by compensating them in the event of a failure to deliver goods which they had ordered as a result of the advertiser going into liquidation or bankruptcy, or ceasing to trade. The scheme also covers readers who have returned goods and not received a refund from a failed member. It is necessary for all mail order advertising agencies to submit a formal application to join the scheme. The level of membership fees for advertisers is determined by advertising expenditure. It does not automatically follow that all advertising will then be accepted, since this decision ultimately rests with the publisher of the newspaper concerned. Where payment is made by Access or Visa credit cards, the MOPS protection covers only up to £100. In regard to any claim above this, the individual should contact his credit card company.
