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BC VSA Salesperson: Deceptive and unconscionable practices (BPCPA)

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A salesperson says they can approve a final price when only the manager can. What does the BPCPA call this?

Study reference: Official-source editorial checking, no licensed review — Deceptive and unconscionable practices (BPCPA)

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  1. A salesperson says they can approve a final price when only the manager can. What does the BPCPA call this?

    1. A breach only of company policy
    2. A deceptive act about their authority
    3. An unconscionable price
    4. A permitted and common negotiating technique
    Show answer and explanation

    Correct answer: A deceptive act about their authority

    Misrepresenting the authority of a representative, employee or agent to negotiate the final terms of a consumer transaction is a deceptive act or practice.

    Based on: BPCPA ss. 4(3)(b)(v); official source checked 2026-10-24

    Official reference ↗

  2. A consumer alleges a dealer engaged in a deceptive practice. Who bears the burden of proof?

    1. The dealer must prove it did not happen
    2. Neither side; the court decides on its own
    3. The VSA must prove it with an inspection
    4. The consumer must prove it beyond doubt
    Show answer and explanation

    Correct answer: The dealer must prove it did not happen

    If it is alleged that a supplier engaged in a deceptive act or practice, the burden of proving it did not is on the supplier. The same applies to unconscionable practices.

    Based on: BPCPA ss. 5(2), 9(2); official source checked 2026-10-24

    Official reference ↗

  3. What is a deceptive act or practice under the BPCPA?

    1. A representation or conduct that could deceive or mislead a consumer
    2. Only a misleading statement printed in an advertisement
    3. Only a written statement that the supplier knew at the time was false
    4. Only a statement made after the contract is signed
    Show answer and explanation

    Correct answer: A representation or conduct that could deceive or mislead a consumer

    A deceptive act is any oral, written, visual or other representation, or any conduct, by a supplier that has the capability, tendency or effect of deceiving or misleading a consumer. It can occur before, during or after the transaction.

    Based on: BPCPA ss. 4(1)–(2); official source checked 2026-10-24

    Official reference ↗

  4. A salesperson leaves out that a car was flood damaged, and the buyer is misled. Under the BPCPA this can be deceptive because of what?

    1. Offering a financing rate above the bank's rate
    2. Quoting a price that includes freight and PDI
    3. Using an accurate stock photo of the same model in the ad
    4. Failing to state a material fact with a misleading effect
    Show answer and explanation

    Correct answer: Failing to state a material fact with a misleading effect

    Using exaggeration, innuendo or ambiguity about a material fact, or failing to state a material fact, is deceptive if the effect is misleading.

    Based on: BPCPA ss. 4(3)(b)(vi); official source checked 2026-10-24

    Official reference ↗

  5. A dealer knowingly exploits a buyer’s inability to understand the transaction language and applies undue pressure to obtain a loan signature. Which BPCPA issue should be examined?

    1. An unconscionable act or practice
    2. A permitted credit promotion
    3. A distance sales contract
    4. A future performance contract
    Show answer and explanation

    Correct answer: An unconscionable act or practice

    Undue pressure and taking advantage of an inability to protect one’s interests are listed circumstances. Age or language alone does not automatically make every transaction unconscionable; the court examines all surrounding circumstances.

    Based on: BPCPA s. 8(2)–(3)(a)–(b); official source checked 2026-10-24

    Official reference ↗

  6. A service advisor tells a buyer a costly repair is needed when it is not. How does the BPCPA treat this?

    1. As an unconscionable lease term
    2. As a matter only for ICBC
    3. As a deceptive act or practice
    4. As acceptable sales puffery
    Show answer and explanation

    Correct answer: As a deceptive act or practice

    A representation that a service, part, replacement or repair is needed when it is not is listed as a deceptive act or practice.

    Based on: BPCPA ss. 4(3)(b)(ii); official source checked 2026-10-24

    Official reference ↗

  7. A buyer signs a clause giving up all BPCPA rights in exchange for a discount. What is the effect?

    1. The waiver is valid once initialled by both parties
    2. The waiver is void
    3. The waiver is valid for used vehicles only
    4. The waiver is valid because a discount was given
    Show answer and explanation

    Correct answer: The waiver is void

    Any waiver or release of rights, benefits or protections under the BPCPA is void unless the Act expressly permits it.

    Based on: BPCPA ss. 3; official source checked 2026-10-24

    Official reference ↗

  8. Under current BPCPA ss. 14.2–14.3, a consumer contract prohibits reviews of the transaction and requires arbitration of future disputes. How are those terms treated?

    1. Only the review ban is valid
    2. Both terms are valid if printed in bold type and initialled
    3. Both terms are void in a consumer contract
    4. Only the arbitration clause is valid
    Show answer and explanation

    Correct answer: Both terms are void in a consumer contract

    The review prohibition and mandatory pre-dispute resolution terms described in these sections are void in a consumer contract. A separate agreement to use arbitration after a dispute arises remains possible. This question concerns the current statutory provisions, not every historical or business-to-business contract.

    Based on: BPCPA ss. 14.1–14.3; official source checked 2026-10-24

    Official reference ↗

  9. An unconscionable practice occurs in an ordinary vehicle consumer transaction, not a mortgage loan. What does BPCPA s. 10(1) provide?

    1. The consumer must still pay, but gets a store credit
    2. The consumer must pay a cancellation fee
    3. The transaction is valid once 30 days pass
    4. The transaction is not binding on the consumer
    Show answer and explanation

    Correct answer: The transaction is not binding on the consumer

    Subject to the separate mortgage-loan provision in s. 10(2), a consumer transaction involving an unconscionable practice is not binding on the consumer or guarantor.

    Based on: BPCPA s. 10; official source checked 2026-10-24

    Official reference ↗

  10. A dealer says a car has never been in a rental fleet when it has. Under the BPCPA this is a representation about what?

    1. A price benefit that does not exist
    2. A delivery date the supplier cannot meet
    3. A prior history or usage the vehicle does not have
    4. A sponsorship or approval the supplier does not have
    Show answer and explanation

    Correct answer: A prior history or usage the vehicle does not have

    Representing that goods have a particular prior history or usage they do not have, including saying they are new when they are not, is a deceptive act or practice.

    Based on: BPCPA ss. 4(3)(a)(iii); official source checked 2026-10-24

    Official reference ↗

  11. Under the BPCPA, what makes a supply of goods a consumer transaction?

    1. It is for primarily personal, family or household purposes
    2. The goods are manufactured in Canada
    3. The supplier is a registered corporation based in British Columbia
    4. The buyer pays at least $1,000 in total
    Show answer and explanation

    Correct answer: It is for primarily personal, family or household purposes

    A consumer transaction is a supply of goods, services or real property to a consumer for purposes that are primarily personal, family or household, including the solicitation, offer, advertising or promotion of it.

    Based on: BPCPA ss. 1; official source checked 2026-10-24

    Official reference ↗

  12. Which circumstance must a court consider when deciding if a practice was unconscionable?

    1. The dealer advertised the vehicle on social media
    2. The dealer's own profit margin on the deal was under 10 per cent
    3. The consumer later found a cheaper vehicle somewhere else
    4. A grossly excessive total price compared with similar transactions readily available to similar consumers
    Show answer and explanation

    Correct answer: A grossly excessive total price compared with similar transactions readily available to similar consumers

    The court considers all surrounding circumstances the supplier knew or ought to have known. Grossly excessive comparable pricing is one listed factor; merely finding a cheaper vehicle later is not the same test.

    Based on: BPCPA s. 8(2)–(3)(c); official source checked 2026-10-24

    Official reference ↗

Deceptive and unconscionable practices (BPCPA): key rules to remember

Our summary of what the official handbook says on this topic, in our own words. Read it before or after the practice questions above, then check the original chapter. Read the official chapter ↗

Deceptive and unconscionable practices (BPCPA)

  • Under the BPCPA, what makes a supply of goods a consumer transaction?: A consumer transaction is a supply of goods, services or real property to a consumer for purposes that are primarily personal, family or household, including the solicitation, offer, advertising or promotion of it.
  • A buyer signs a clause giving up all BPCPA rights in exchange for a discount. What is the effect?: Any waiver or release of rights, benefits or protections under the BPCPA is void unless the Act expressly permits it.
  • What is a deceptive act or practice under the BPCPA?: A deceptive act is any oral, written, visual or other representation, or any conduct, by a supplier that has the capability, tendency or effect of deceiving or misleading a consumer. It can occur before, during or after the transaction.
  • A dealer says a car has never been in a rental fleet when it has. Under the BPCPA this is a representation about what?: Representing that goods have a particular prior history or usage they do not have, including saying they are new when they are not, is a deceptive act or practice.
  • A service advisor tells a buyer a costly repair is needed when it is not. How does the BPCPA treat this?: A representation that a service, part, replacement or repair is needed when it is not is listed as a deceptive act or practice.
  • A salesperson leaves out that a car was flood damaged, and the buyer is misled. Under the BPCPA this can be deceptive because of what?: Using exaggeration, innuendo or ambiguity about a material fact, or failing to state a material fact, is deceptive if the effect is misleading.
  • A salesperson says they can approve a final price when only the manager can. What does the BPCPA call this?: Misrepresenting the authority of a representative, employee or agent to negotiate the final terms of a consumer transaction is a deceptive act or practice.
  • A consumer alleges a dealer engaged in a deceptive practice. Who bears the burden of proof?: If it is alleged that a supplier engaged in a deceptive act or practice, the burden of proving it did not is on the supplier. The same applies to unconscionable practices.
  • Which circumstance must a court consider when deciding if a practice was unconscionable?: The court considers all surrounding circumstances the supplier knew or ought to have known. Grossly excessive comparable pricing is one listed factor; merely finding a cheaper vehicle later is not the same test.
  • A dealer knowingly exploits a buyer’s inability to understand the transaction language and applies undue pressure to obtain a loan signature. Which BPCPA issue should be examined?: Undue pressure and taking advantage of an inability to protect one’s interests are listed circumstances. Age or language alone does not automatically make every transaction unconscionable; the court examines all surrounding circumstances.
  • An unconscionable practice occurs in an ordinary vehicle consumer transaction, not a mortgage loan. What does BPCPA s. 10(1) provide?: Subject to the separate mortgage-loan provision in s. 10(2), a consumer transaction involving an unconscionable practice is not binding on the consumer or guarantor.
  • Under current BPCPA ss. 14.2–14.3, a consumer contract prohibits reviews of the transaction and requires arbitration of future disputes. How are those terms treated?: The review prohibition and mandatory pre-dispute resolution terms described in these sections are void in a consumer contract. A separate agreement to use arbitration after a dispute arises remains possible. This question concerns the current statutory provisions, not every historical or business-to-business contract.

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