NCJ Number
76319
Date Published
1979
Length
45 pages
Annotation
This Washington State consumer guide provides information on the most common consumer problems and what consumers can do about them, consumer protection laws, and consumer agencies.
Abstract
Following some general tips to the buyer, consumer problems are discussed in the areas of advertising, automobiles, credit employment and training, furniture, government, health and self-improvement, real estate, moving, insurance, business opportunities, mail, rentals, sales, television and appliance repair, and professional services. The discussion of advertising is broken down into the topics of deceptive comparative pricing, 'bait-and-switch' tactics, and phony contests and surveys. Credit is examined under the issues of borrowing, credit cards, credit counseling, Fair Credit Billing Act, Fair Credit Reporting Act, Equal Credit Opportunity Act, and collection agencies. Issues considered under the employment and training section are employment agencies, at-home employment, correspondence and business schools, and job listings. Franchise and pyramid sales are discussed in the consideration of business opportunities, and mail order, magazines, unordered merchandise, and obscene mail are examined under consumer problems associated with mail. Door-to-door sales and referral sales are also examined. In discussing what a consumer can do when a problem is encountered, information is provided on the role of the State's Consumer Protection Division, how to submit a complaint, and legal alternatives. Other consumer information sources are listed.