From Eveningsnews.com
Are You A Smart Consumer? Try Our Quiz
By
Jan 6, 2008, 20:58
(NC)-So you think your consumer skills are up to par? Try our quiz and find out if you're a real marketplace wizard.
1. Collection agencies have the right to call you any time, concerning the money you owe a business. T/F
2. There is no such thing as a cooling-off (cancellation) right for contracts signed in your home. T/F
3. Your bank can check your credit-bureau records any time they wish. T/F
4. It's all right to give a credit-card number to a telemarketer over the phone, so long as you're sure you want the item you're ordering. T/F
5. Stores have to take returns and provide refunds/exchanges. T/F
6. If a roofer gives you the names of some customers who'll give references, you don't need to check them. The company must be honest. T/F
7. It's a good idea to buy something you don't really want to get a free gift you'd like. T/F
8. You should always get a written estimate before allowing a repair shop to work on your car. T/F
9. Fitness clubs can renew contracts automatically at the end of the one-year term without notification to the consumer. T/F
10. Merchants can still sell a gift card with an expiry date printed on it after October 1, 2007. T/F
Answers:
1. False - Collection agencies have specific hours of the day they may contact you. And on certain days, collection agencies cannot contact you.
2. False - you can cancel any contract you sign in your home, up to 10 days after receiving a written copy of the agreement
3. False - Banks are allowed to check credit records if you're involved in a credit transaction with the bank.
4. False - if you have any doubts about the telemarketer calling you, ask them to send their offer in writing.
5. False - stores set their own return and exchange policies - ask before buying!
6. False - always check references. You can also check the company's reputation with the Better Business Bureau, or consult Ontario's online Consumer Beware List.
7. False - you don't have to accept the first offer, you can always ask the vendor to sell you the item you want.
8. True - it is always a good idea to get a written estimate. Ontario consumer law prohibits motor vehicle repairers from charging for a repair unless a written estimate was given. Furthermore, repairers cannot charge an amount that exceeds the estimate by more than 10 per cent.
9. False - your fitness club must contact you within 30 - 90 days before the contract expires, and you can advise the club that you do not want to renew at any time prior to your expiry date.
10. False - Expiry dates are prohibited on gift cards sold on or after October 1, 2007. Old gift card stock may have expiration dates on them, but the retailer must let you know that they no longer apply. The rules apply to pre-paid and reloadable gift cards and gift certificates sold by retailers.
How did you fare on the quiz? You can get more information about your rights under Ontario's consumer protection legislation, by going to www.ontario.ca/consumerprotection or calling toll-free 1866-351-5655.
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