NCJ Number
55502
Date Published
1976
Length
25 pages
Annotation
THIS CONSUMER EDUCATION TRAINING MANUAL PUBLISHED BY THE ALABAMA OFFICE OF CONSUMER PROTECTIONS LISTS RESOURCES AND AGENCIES FOR CONSUMERS, COMMON CONSUMER FRAUDS, AND SUGGESTED CONTENT AREAS FOR CONSUMER EDUCATION.
Abstract
THE MANUAL BEGINS WITH A FACT SHEET ON THE GOVERNOR'S OFFICE OF CONSUMER PROTECTION, OUTLINING THE AGENCY'S MAIN GOALS, TYPE OF SERVICES CITIZEN CONSUMERS CAN EXPECT, PROCEDURES TO TAKE IF A COMPLAINT ARISES, AND THE PROCEDURES TAKEN WHEN THE COMPLAINT IS FILED WITH THE OFFICE. RESOURCES USEFUL FOR CONSUMERS AND CONSUMER EDUCATION COURSES ARE LISTED. THESE INCLUDE INFORMATION PACKETS AVAILABLE FROM THE OFFICE ON MOBILE HOMES SALES AND REPAIRS, BAIT AND SWITCH, HOME IMPROVEMENT, APPLIANCES, CREDIT, AND OTHER AREAS; NEWSLETTERS (ADDRESSES AND PRICES ARE INCLUDED); AND OTHER PUBLICATIONS. A LIST OF STATE CONSUMER-ORIENTED AGENCIES IS PRESENTED, AS WELL AS DESCRIPTIONS OF THE FOUR MAJOR FEDERAL CONSUMER AGENCIES--THE FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION, THE FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, THE CONSUMER PRODUCT SAFETY COMMISSION, AND THE OFFICE OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS. COMMON CONSUMER FRAUDS ARE SUMMARIZED (E.G., ADVERTISING SALES FRAUDS, CONTESTS, DOOR-TO-DOOR SELLING, DISCOUNTS) AND SUGGESTED CONTENT AREAS FOR CONSUMER EDUCATION PROGRAMS ARE NOTED (E.G., CONSUMER DECISIONMAKING, FOOD BUYING, HOUSING, MONEY MANAGEMENT). THE MANUAL CLOSES WITH 10 HINTS FOR CAUTIOUS CONSUMERS. (DAG)