NCJ Number
56079
Date Published
Unknown
Length
35 pages
Annotation
CONSUMER INFORMATION, INCLUDING GUIDELINES FOR RESOLVING CONSUMER COMPLAINTS, IS PRESENTED IN A BOOKLET PREPARED BY THE CONSUMER PROTECTION BUREAU OF PENNSYLVANIA'S DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE.
Abstract
THE BOOKLET OPENS WITH GENERAL BUYING TIPS--COMPARISON SHOPPING, GETTING ESTIMATES, RESISTING HIGH-PRESSURE SALES TACTICS, TAKING TIME TO CONSIDER LARGE PURCHASES CAREFULLY, BEING PARTICULARLY CAREFUL WHEN ENTERING INTO CONTRACTUAL AGREEMENTS. SUBSEQUENT SECTIONS OFFER ADVICE ON THE FOLLOWING: (1) PURCHASES IN THE HOME (CANCELLING CONTRACTS, BUYING MAGAZINES AND ENCYCLOPEDIAS, TELEPHONE SOLICITATIONS, SOLICITATIONS BY CHARITIES, MAIL ORDER PURCHASES, UNORDERED MERCHANDISE, BOOK AND RECORD CLUBS) (2) PURCHASES IN STORES (THE 'BAIT AND SWITCH' GIMMICK, REFERRAL SELLING, OTHER DECEPTIVE PRACTICES, BUYING ON CREDIT, CREDIT RIGHTS) (3) INCOME AND IMPROVEMENT OPPORTUNITIES (DISTRIBUTORSHIPS, PYRAMID FRANCHISING, WORK-AT-HOME SCHEMES, CORRESPONDENCE AND TRADE SCHOOLS, SELF-IMPROVEMENT PLANS, EMPLOYMENT AGENCIES) AND (4) AUTOMOBILES AND HOUSING (CARS, HOMES, MOBILE HOMES, VACATION LAND, RENTAL UNITS, HOME CONTRACTING). THE BOOKLET ALSO OUTLINES REMEDIES AVAILABLE TO CONSUMERS WHO FEEL THEY HAVE BEEN CHEATED OR ARE DISSATISFIED WITH THE QUALITY OF A PRODUCT OR SERVICE. GUIDELINES FOR COMPLAINING TO THE SELLER, CONTACTING A CONSUMER PROTECTION AGENCY, FILING SUIT IN COURT, AND OBTAINING ASSISTANCE FROM A PRIVATE ATTORNEY ARE INCLUDED. A LIST OF THE BUREAU'S BRANCH OFFICES IS PROVIDED. (LKM)