NCJ Number
201024
Date Published
December 2001
Length
34 pages
Annotation
This guide was designed by the Missouri Attorney General’s Office to assist students in protecting themselves against fraud and asserting their consumer rights.
Abstract
The nine sections included in this guide deal with issues related to spotting Internet scams, responsibly handling credit, buying cars and obtaining automobile repairs, tenant rights and responsibilities, employment opportunities, higher education possibilities, protecting and asserting consumer rights, travel scams, and how to submit consumer complaints. The first section deals with the Internet and how to protect personal information on-line and avoid scams. The second section discusses issues related to responsibly handling credit and cautions the reader about the dangers of title loans. The third section offers guidance on buying used cars and avoiding deceptive practices when obtaining car repairs. The fourth section provides information about landlord-tenant laws, leases, security deposits, eviction, and housing discrimination. The fifth section cautions students to be careful about part-time summer jobs, explaining that many involve door-to-door sales for deceptive businesses. The sixth section cautions students and parents about scam artists who promise scholarships or financial aid and career schools that make false claims and promises. The seventh section discusses issues related to negative option plans and provides advice on buying eyeglasses. The eighth section provides information about travel scams, while the final section details how to register consumer complaints. Contact information for relevant consumer agencies is provided. Finally, the guide lists additional consumer-oriented brochures offered by the Attorney General’s Office of Missouri.