Protecting Yourself

Protecting Yourself

Consumers are faced with a marketplace full of decisions. Ask the
right questions before and after you buy and avoid consumer fraud
and rip-offs.

Before you buy

o Take advantage of sales, but compare prices. Do not assume an
item is a bargain just because it is advertised as one.

o Don't rush into a large purchase because the "price is only good
today."


o Check to see if the company is licensed or registered at the
local or state level.

o Contact your consumer protection office or Better Business
Bureau (BBB) for any complaint recorded against the company.
Request any consumer information they might have on the type of
purchase.

o Be aware of such extra charges as delivery fees, installation
charges, service costs, and postage and handling fees. Add them
into the total cost.

o Ask about the seller's refund or exchange policy.

o Read the warranty. Note what is covered and what is not. Find
out what you must do and what the manufacturer or seller must do if
there is a problem.

o Don't sign a contract without reading it. Don't sign a
contract if there are any blank spaces in it or if you don't
understand it. In some states, it is possible to sign away your
home to someone else.

o Before buying a product or service, contact your consumer
protection office to see if there are automatic cancellation
periods for the purchase you are making. In some states, there are
cancellation periods for dating clubs, health clubs, and timeshare
and campground memberships. Federal law gives you cancellation
rights for certain door-to-door sales.

o Walk out or hang up on high-pressure sales tactics. Don't be
forced or pressured into buying something.

o Only do business over the telephone with companies you know.
o Be suspicious of P.O. Box addresses. They might be mail drops.
If you have a complaint, you might have trouble locating the
company.

o Do not respond to any prize or gift offer that requires you to
pay even a small amount of money.

o Use unit pricing in supermarkets to compare what items cost.
Unit pricing allows you to compare the price ounce-for-ounce,
pound-for-pound, etc. As an example, bigger packages are not
always cheaper than smaller ones.

o Use coupons carefully. Do not assume they are the best deal
until you've compared them to the prices of competitive products.

o Make sure all documents you sign are in a language you
understand.

o Don't rely on a salesperson's promises. Get everything in
writing.

Remember:

1. First contact the seller if you have a complaint.

2. If that does not resolve your problem, contact the company
headquarters.

3. If your problem is still unresolved, refer to the subject index
for the organizations, or local, state and Federal offices that
provide help in cases like yours.

4. Taking legal action should be the last resort. However, if you
decide to exercise this right, be aware that you might have to act
within a certain time period. Check with your lawyer about any
statutes that apply to your case.