NCJ Number
61624
Date Published
1979
Length
222 pages
Annotation
THIS DETAILED, COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE RELATES FEDERAL AND TEXAS CONSUMER PROTECTION LAWS TO DAILY TRANSACTIONS. THE CONSUMER'S RIGHT TO SAFETY, TO CHOOSE, TO BE INFORMED, AND TO BE HEARD IS EMPHASIZED.
Abstract
THE HANDBOOK COVERS IN DETAIL MANY OF THE BUSINESS SITUATIONS THAT THE AVERAGE CITIZEN IS LIKELY TO ENCOUNTER. THESE INCLUDE THE BUYING OF GOODS AND SERVICES (ESPECIALLY AUTOMOBILES), BUYING AND RENTING A HOME, CONSUMER CREDIT AND DEBT COLLECTION, INSURANCE, PUBLIC UTILITIES, AND BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES. THE SCOPE OF THE PROBLEM IS EXPLAINED FOR EACH KIND OF TRANSACTION. THE CONSUMER PROTECTION ACT OF 1973 AND ANY OTHER APPLICABLE LAWS ARE NOTED, ALONG WITH SPECIFIC APPLICATIONS OF THE LAW, AS IN THE STANDARDIZATION OF CONSUMER CREDIT LAWS WHICH DEMANDS THAT THERE BE NO 'HIDDEN' CLAUSES, AND THAT ANNUAL PERCENTAGE RATES BE DISCLOSED. SUGGESTIONS ARE MADE CONCERNING REMEDIES OR PRECAUTIONS TO TAKE IN ALL OF THESE BUSINESS SITUATIONS. THE HANDBOOK ALSO SPECIFIES ACTION WHEN A PROBLEM ARISES THERE ARE FORMAL AND INFORMAL WAYS TO SETTLING CONSUMER COMPLAINTS. INFORMALLY, A DISSATISFIED CONSUMER IS URGED TO MAKE THE COMPLAINT IN WRITING AND INCLUDE INFORMATION ON THE PERFORMANCE, PRODUCT OR SERVICE. THE COMPLAINT SHOULD BE SENT TO THE PROPER PERSON AND SUGGESTIONS FOR THE DESIRED CORRECTIVE ACTION SHOULD BE INCLUDED. COMPLAINTS MAY BE MADE TO THE STORE, THE COMPANY, TRADE ORGANIZATIONS, AND TO THE BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU. LOCAL, STATE AND FEDERAL GOVERNMENTS ALSO HANDLE COMPLAINTS. LEGAL REMEDIES AVAILABLE ARE MENTIONED BRIEFLY. APPENDIXES INCLUDE A DIRECTORY OF LEGAL AID SERVICES IN TEXAS, TEXAS CONSUMER AGENCIES, AND FEDERAL CONSUMER AGENCIES AND THEIR AREAS OF COMPETENCE. AN INDEX IS INCLUDED. (RFC)