NCJ Number
73134
Date Published
1979
Length
15 pages
Annotation
The 1978 annual report of the Kansas Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division decribes the agency's educational and legal activities; summaries of several cases undertaken on behalf of consumers who were defrauded by individuals or businesses are included.
Abstract
During the year, the Consumer Protection Division with a staff of 4 assistant attorneys general, 4 special agents, and 1 intern handled over 4,000 complaints and returned almost $900,000 to Kansas consumers. The division's educational program increased, and its representatives spoke to over 250 groups throughout the State, including senior citizens, schools, chambers of commerce, and churches. The distribution of a popular book on consumer protection was continued, as was the circulation of a film. An estimated 25,000 Kansans telephoned the division during the year to request assistance and information about consumer matters. Types of fraudulent activities which the division prosecuted are illustrated by several cases, including misrepresentation in the sale of vending machines, fraudulent collections for charity, misrepresentation of contest prizes, land frauds, and questionable practices involving automobile sales and repairs. Statistics on cases received and how they were closed are provided. Over the past 4 years, the Consumer Protection Division has demonstrated its value to the taxpayers by returning approximately $2.6 million to Kansas consumers.