NCJ Number
54572
Date Published
1978
Length
108 pages
Annotation
THIS MANUAL FOR OREGON CONSUMERS BEGINS WITH A HISTORY OF THE CONSUMER MOVEMENT AND CONTINUES WITH STEPS TO TAKE FOR REMEDYING AN UNSATISFACTORY SALE, RECOGNIZING CONSUMER FRAUD, AND PREVENTING VICTIMIZATION.
Abstract
THE U.S. FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION WAS ESTABLISHED IN THE EARLY PART OF THE CENTURY, BUT IT WAS NOT UNTIL THE LAST HALF OF THE 1960'S THAT THE CONSUMER MOVEMENT BECAME POPULAR AND CONGRESS RESPONDED BY PASSING THE TRUTH IN LENDING, TRUTH IN PACKAGING, INTERSTATE LAND SALE DISCLOSURES, AND MOTOR VEHICLES SAFETY ACTS. THIS MANUAL EXPLAINS IMPLICATIONS OF THESE ACTS AND OF OREGON'S OWN CONSUMER PROTECTION ACT FOR FRAUDULENT PRACTICES SUCH AS MISREPRESENTATION OF QUALITY (PRODUCT SWITCHES, AFFIRMATIVE DISCLOSURE, FAULTY WARRANTIES, AND COMPARATIVE ADVERTISING), MISREPRESENTATION OF ORIGIN, MISREPRESENTATION OF SERVICES, MISREPRESENTATION IN PRICING (PRETICKETING, FREE OFFERS THAT ARE CONDITIONAL, PRICE REDUCTIONS), ENDORSEMENT, DISPARAGEMENT OF THE CONSUMER'S PROPERTY TO MAKE A SALE, MISREPRESENTATION OF DELIVERY TIME, CONTESTS, ADVERTISING WITH NO INTENTION OF SELLING, AND MISREPRESENTATIONS ABOUT CREDIT. TO PROTECT THEMSELVES BEFORE A SALE, CONSUMERS ARE ADVISED TO DECIDE EXACTLY WHAT THEY NEED AND WHAT THEY CAN AFFORD BEFORE SHOPPING, READ ADS, AND TALK TO SALES REPRESENTATIVES OF COMPETITIVE BRANDS. THEY SHOULD ASK FOR ALL PURCHASE DETAILS IN WRITING, TAKE A WITNESS WITH THEM, MAKE THEIR OWN NOTES ON PURCHASE DEALS. FOR CONSUMERS WHO HAVE BEEN THE VICTIM OF A FRAUDULENT OR BAD DEAL, INFORMATION IS PRESENTED ON SELF-HELP, SUCH AS NEGOTIATION AND WITHHOLDING PAYMENT, AND ON FORMAL STEPS, SUCH AS TAKING THE MATTER TO A SMALL CLAIMS COURT. SECTIONS OF THE MANUAL ALSO CONTAIN INFORMATION ON WARRANTIES--WHAT THEY MUST DISCLOSE AND HOW VIOLATIONS CAN BE REMEDIED, CREDIT, INTEREST CEILINGS, CREDIT CARDS, CREDIT REPORTING, AND COLLECTION AGENCIES. POINTERS FOR COMPLAINING TO LOCAL, STATE, AND FEDERAL AGENCIES TO ENLIST THEIR HELP OR INTEREST ARE PRESENTED AND A LIST OF RELEVANT GOVERNMENT AGENCIES AND THEIR ADDRESSES IS APPENDED. (DAG)