NCJ Number
75114
Date Published
Unknown
Length
45 pages
Annotation
This Montana consumer protection booklet provides information on consumer fraud and protection and describes some common frauds, how to avoid them, and what to do if deceived.
Abstract
Types of fraud include product and direct sales, service and repair, and home improvement and personal improvement schemes. Other miscellaneous practices are debt adjusting, charity rackets, missing heirs, and credit contract capers. The following legislation protects Montana consumers' rights: the Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Act of 1973, Chain Distributor Schemes Law (State) and the Federal Fair Credit Reporting Act of 1971. Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act, consumers can protect themselves if credit, insurance, and employment have been denied. Among the 15 specific rights outlined by the law are the right to be told the name and address of the consumer reporting agency preparing a report and to have incomplete or incorrect information reinvestigated. However, the act does not give the right to request a report for personal use, or to receive a copy or physically handle the credit file. It also does not authorize any Federal agency to intervene on behalf of an individual consumer. Another Montana law provides consumers subjected to high pressure personal solicitation sales tactics a 'cooling off' period. In the case of a personal solicitation sale made by telephone, the buyer may cancel any time prior to signing of an agreement. Examples of letters and phone conversations are offered to help the consumer complain effectively. A directory of agencies at the State, local, and national levels and their consumer areas is given for reference. Drawings are included.