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Nov 21, 2005 1:10 pm US/Eastern
'Tis The Season To Be Wary For Holiday Shoppers
Tips To Avoid Rip-Offs And Scams This Season
NEW YORK (AP) ―
It's that time of year again, and the New York City Department of Consumer Affairs wants you to know your rights, and shop wisely this holiday season.
Return Policies: Every store should have its return policy posted. If no policy is posted, the retailer must give the consumer 20 days to obtain a refund in the manner in which the purchase was paid.
Gift Cards: Gift Cards must have their terms and limitations posted. Be aware that some gift cards have expiration dates. Stores cannot charge any fees on gift cards that are used within one year.
Always Get a Receipt and Save It: Under New York City's Consumer Protection Law, you are entitled to a receipt for purchases over $20. Upon request, you are also entitled to a receipt for purchases between $5 and $19.99. All receipts must include the total amount paid, date, business name and address, the make and model of the item you bought, and license number if applicable.
Some stores will issue gift receipts for purchases, allowing the person who receives the gift to make an exchange. The price is not listed on gift receipts, but the original sale is maintained in the store's computer.
Online Shopping: Shop with companies you know. Be wary of companies that don't offer a phone number where you can get more information.
Learn a company's online privacy policy. The privacy policy should disclose the information being collected on the site and how that information is being used including account numbers and other personal information.
Never give out your Social Security Number, mother's maiden name or former address online.
By law, a company must ship your Internet purchase within the time stated or within 30 days if no time is specified.
Bogus Ads & Sales Offers: Don't get tricked by bogus ads and sales offers. Classic bait-and-switch and sale offers that promise "Big Savings!" that sound too good to be true probably are not what they seem. Consumer Affairs must license special sales including "Going out of Business "or" Liquidation sales.
Be wary of retailers that require a photocopy of your personal identification. By law, if a retailer requires a copy of a consumer's personal identification, this demand must be clearly stated in the retailer's credit card policy and displayed clearly.
Credit Card Limitations: By law retailers must post any credit card limitations, including purchase minimums.
Electronics Stores: Consumer Affairs must license stores selling electronics in New York City.
Know the Warranty: If you are sold a defective product, you may be able to get a replacement or refund if the warranty says so. Avoid bait-and-switch. If a store offers a special deal, they must supply what they advertise, at the advertised price.
Used Items Sold As New: Watch out for used items sold as new. An item may look new, but it could be used or rebuilt. Any product that has been used must be marked "used," "floor model," "rebuilt" or "refurbished."
Jewelry Purchases: Jewelry that costs $75 or more must come with a sales slip that includes the price and description of the item. Retailers and appraisers are prohibited from misleading consumers about any jewelry characteristics, including size, grade, quality, substance, origin, prior ownership, price and value.
Jewelers selling estate items must be licensed as second-hand dealers by the DCA.
How To File A Complaint: People wanting to issue a complaint should call 311.
(© 2005 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)
