CONSUMER TIPS

An educated consumer is a good consumer. The following are consumer tips which should help you avoid problems and disputes in connection with your purchases.

1. Before making a major purchase, do some research. Many major items are rated by Consumer Reports or similar publications. The Consumer Reports Buying Guide and other consumer reference books are available at bookstores and at your local library. You should compare not only price but the warranty given by the seller or manufacturer. You should also find out where the item can be repaired if service is needed. Some warranties allow items to be repaired locally while others require that the item be sent to the company's warranty repair center. This may be an important factor in your decision in which brand to buy.

If you need an attorney and don't have one, the Lawyer Referral and Information Service can help.

Call Us Monday - Friday from 8:30 AM - Noon and 1:15 PM - 3:00 PM at (814) 459-4411.

2. You should read everything you sign and make sure you understand it. Never allow a salesperson to rush you.

3. Do not rely on oral, unwritten promises. Such promises are very difficult to prove. If a promise made by a salesperson is important to you, be sure to get that promise in writing.

4. Before you purchase an item, find out what the company's return policy is. Remember, merchants are not required to make cash refunds or to issue due bills although some do as a matter of policy.

5. Before entering into any contract, make sure the goods or services are what you want. Generally, a consumer has no right to cancel a transaction unless the sale was entered into at the consumer's residence. In such a case, the consumer has a right to cancel the transaction within three (3) business days after the sale.

6. Avoid get rich quick schemes. Promises that you can make a large amount of money by stuffing envelopes or working in your home are almost always untrue. Such plans are typically pyramid schemes and are illegal.

7. Never give your credit card number or expiration date, birth date or any other personal information to any company or solicitor over the phone unless you initiated the call. Companies may try to use the information as verification in order to charge your account. Also be sure not to give out your checking account number. Some scams try to debit the consumer's account with this.

8. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

For other messages on consumer questions, consult the Tel-Law directory.

If you need an attorney and don't have one, the Lawyer Referral and Information Service can help.

Call Us Monday - Friday from 8:30 AM - Noon and 1:15 PM - 3:00 PM
at (814) 459-4411.