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Consumer tips PDF

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Ai~li>50 TIPSHEET Your Credit Report This publication is intended to provide January 2006 generai Information only and is not a substitute for legal advice. Credit reporting agencies must make sure the information in your file is correct and based on the most reliable evidence available. The Fair Trading Act and the Credit and Personal Reports Regulation identify what can be included in and released from your credit file. HIGHLIGHTS IS THE INFORMATION IN YOUR CREDIT FILE ACCURATE? 1 IS THE INFORMATION IN YOUR CREDIT FILE ACCU- Before approving your application for a credit card or a loan, a business RATE? may check your credit history before making a decision to give you the money or the credit card. This information - known as your credit rating - 2 CHECKING YOUR FILE comes from reporting agencies such as Equifax Canada Inc. and TransUnion of Canada. 2 CORRECTING INFORMATION These private businesses keep files on individuals who apply for credit. Reports can be given to lenders, insurers, your creditors and anyone 3 IDENTITY (ID) THEFT involved in business transactions with you. Anyone you authorize in writing 3 MAINTAIN A GOOD can also get reports. CREDIT RECORD Your credit file may include information about your: 4 FOR MORE • Occupation and places of employment INFORMATION • Past and present addresses • Marital status • Spouse or interdependent partner's name and age • Number of dependents • Education or professional qualifications • Estimated income and assets • Existing debts and paying habits • Fines and restitution orders • Cost of living responsibilities • Enquiries made by others • Comments you have made You have a right to find out what is in your file. /dibeita CONSUMER TIPSHEET Your Credit Report Your credit file cannot include: The agency must provide: • Unfavourable personal infornnation about you unless • All the information in your file as of that date; it h as been confirnned and the source of the • Where the information came from unless it i s information is o n the file obvious; and • Health or health care history • Who has received a copy of your report in the past • Sexual orientation six months. • Unfavourable information about a debt if m ore than You can ask for copies of any reports the reporting six years have passed since the date of the last agency has provided in the past six months. payment on that debt or from the date the debt was incurred When requested, a reporting agency must provide • Judgments more than six years old unless the creditor you or your representative with a report once a year confirms in the file that the debt has not been paid at no charge. However the agency may charge you a • Bankruptcy if y ou were discharged more than six years reasonable fee for additional reports or information ago unless you have been bankrupt more than once requested in that same year. • Charges under federal, provincial or territorial law charges if y ou haven't been convicted CORRECTING INFORMATION • Convictions, fines and prison terms more than six years old If y ou find information on your file that you disagree • Court actions taken against you in the past year with, you have a right under Alberta's Fair Trading Act unless the report includes the current status of the to explain or protest what you found. action To explain or add information, write a statement of • Race, creed, colour, ancestry, ethnic origin, religious 100 words or less to explain why you believe the or political affiliation information in the file is not accurate or complete. • Family details other than the name and age of your The agency must put this information in your file and spouse or your adult interdependent partner include it i n any report it p rovides about the item in • Information obtained verbally unless the content of the report is n oted in writing in the file question. If y ou believe an item is not accurate or complete, write a statement of 100 words or less to protest the CHECKING YOUR FILE information. The agency must check the accuracy or You or your representative have a right to find out what completeness of the information. Within 45 days, it is in your file. When you make your request to learn the must confirm, correct, add to or delete the information contents of your file, make sure you have identification. in question. If t he agency corrects, adds to or deletes Your representative will also need proof that he or information, it m ust tell you and everyone who received she is y our representative. Without identification and your report within the last six months. proof, the reporting agency doesn't have to provide the information. 2 IDENTITY (ID) THEFT MAINTAIN A GOOD CREDIT RECORD You may be a victim of identity theft • Pay your bills promptly, especially credit cards • Borrow only what you need and what you can afford • If a creditor calls to say you've been approved or • Try to pay off loans on time and as quickly as possible denied credit that you haven't applied for • If y ou receive credit cards or statements for credit • Get reference letters from landlords and creditors and add them to your personal file cards that you didn't apply for • If y ou get calls or letters from a collection agency or • Make sure incorrect information is removed quickly from your credit file business about purchases you didn't make • If y ou are having difficulty paying a bill, contact the If y ou think someone else is using your identity, contact creditor immediately the major reporting agencies to report your concern. • If y ou are ill o r disabled, find out if y ou have insurance Both companies have procedures in place to deal with on the loan or credit card that will make the ID theft and will put an ID theft warning on your file. Equifax Canada Inc. payments if y ou can't Toll-free: 1-800-465-7166 www.equifax.com When requested, TransUnion of Canada a reporting agency Toll-free: 1-866-525-0262 www.tuc.ca must provide you or Obtain a copy of the Identity Theft tipsheet on the Alberta Government Services website your representative www.governmentservices.gov.ab.ca or call: with a report once Alberta Government Services Consumer Information Centre a year at no charge. In Edmonton: (780) 427-4088 or Toll-free in Alberta: 1-877-427-4088 If y ou believe an item is not accurate or complete, write a statement of 100 words or less to protest the information. 3 CONSUMER TIPSHEET Your Credit Report FOR MORE INFORMATION For additional information about the Fair Trading Act or the Credit and Personal Reports Regulation, call Alberta Government Services Consumer Information Centre Edmonton: (780) 427-4088 Toll free in Alberta: 1-877-427-4088 A current version of this and other consumer tipsheets are available at the Alberta Government Services website www.governmentservices.gov.ab.ca. Most public libraries have Internet access if y ou don't have access at home. 4 If y ou need more copies of this tipsheet, you have permission to photocopy. CI CONSUMER TIPSHEET Unfair Practices: The Fair Trading Act This publication is intended to provide January 2006 general information only and is not a substitute for legal advice. The Fair Trading Act (FTA) protects consumers from unfair business practices before, during or after a consumer transaction. The legislation applies if: • The consumer or supplier lives in Alberta • The offer or acceptance is made in or sent from Alberta HIGHLIGHTS • T he unfair practice is made or received in Alberta and involves a supplier's 1 DEFINITIONS representative 2 EXAMPLES OF UNFAIR An unfair practice may occur even if a consumer transaction was not entered into or concluded. PRACTICES 3 PREVENTING PROBLEMS DEFINITIONS 3 RESOLVING PROBLEMS A consumer transaction is d efined as any sale, lease or other transfer of 4 MOTOR VEHICLE goods or services for payment. This includes a contest prize and goods or COMPLAINTS services given to someone else. 4 FOR MORE A consumer is an individual who pays for those goods or services. INFORMATION Goods generally refers to: • Material items used primarily for personal, family or household purposes • A new residential dwelling whether or not it is attached to land • A voucher which promises goods or services in the future Services can include any of the following when they are used primarily for personal, family or household purposes: • Maintenance, improvement or repairs to goods or private homes • Membership in a club or organization if t he club or organization is in business to make a profit for its owners • The right to use property under a time-share contract A supplier is a person who receives money from a consumer transaction. This includes a salesperson or a representative or agent who manufactures, produces, distributes, advertises or sells goods or services. The FTA does not allow you to waive your rights under the legislation or restrict any rights under other legislation. If a consumer contract is v ague, the terms of the contract are interpreted in favour of the consumer. /dibsrra CONSUMER TIPSHEET Practices: The Fair Trading Act EXAMPLES OF UNFAIR PRACTICES • Representing that goods or services are available in accordance with a prior representation when • Subjecting a consumer to undue pressure or influence they are not. Example: The seller says the goods were to buy. Example: A salesperson spends four hours in seized from Canada Customs when they were a consumer's home trying to sell a vacuum cleaner. actually purchased as regular inventory. • Taking advantage of a consumer's inability to • Representing that a voucher from one supplier can understand a consumer transaction. Example: A seller be used for goods or services at regular or discount convinces a consumer who can't speak or read price if t he first supplier knows (or ought to know) English to sign a multi-page contract. that the second supplier will not honour the voucher. • Charging a price that grossly exceeds the price Example: A company sells a coupon book knowing of similar goods that are readily available without that some of the businesses will not honour the informing the consumer of the difference and the coupons. reason for the difference. Example: A contractor • Representing that goods are available in a particular doesn't tell a homeowner that the repairs to his quantity if t hey are not. Example: A store advertises it roof that cost $7,500 could have been be done by a has 35 stereos for sale when in fact it h as one stereo competitor for $2,500. in stock. • Charging a price for goods or services that is more • Representing that goods or services will be supplied than 10 per cent - to a maximum of $100 - higher within a stated time if t he supplier knows (or ought than the estimate given for those goods or services to know) the goods will not be available. Example: unless the consumer has specifically agreed to the A hot tub company promises a tub will be installed increase. Example: A repair shop says it w ill cost $1 50 on Christmas Eve when it k nows the installation staff to fix an item, but the final bill is $400. will not be available. • Representing that goods or services are of a • Representing that a specific price benefit exists if i t particular standard, quality, grade, style or model does not. Example: A business advertises that an item if t hat representation is untrue. Example: A furniture dealer says a coffee table is solid wood when it i s is on sale or the price is '20 per cent off if t he item has never been sold at the regular price. really particleboard. • Representing that a part, replacement, repair or • Representing that goods have or have not been used adjustment is needed or desirable if i t i s not. Example: to an extent that is d ifferent from the fact. Example: A shop replaces a dryer motor when only the belt The seller tells a consumer that a car has 100,000 needed replacing. kilometers on it a nd the true mileage is 200,000 kilometers. • Representing that the supplier is asking for information, conducting a survey or making a • Representing that goods are new when they solicitation when that is not true. Example: A door- are used, deteriorated, altered or reconditioned. to-door salesperson asks a consumer to fill out a Example: A computer is s old as new, but the seller has reconditioned it. home-environment survey when he or she actually wants to do a product demonstration. • Making an untrue statement about a good's prior • Giving an estimated price for goods or services if history or use. Example: The seller tells the consumer they cannot be provided for that price. Example: that a car was only driven by the owner of a A renovation company tells a homeowner that it c an dealership when it w as a lease-back from a rental replace the garage door for $500 when it k nows the company. price for parts alone is $700. 2 PREVENTING PROBLEMS • Representing the price of goods or services in a manner that a consumer might reasonably believe • Make sure you understand what is being offered in the price refers to a larger package of goods or any advertising and what a salesperson tells you services. Example: A company advertises it w ill build a about a product or service. complete fence for a home for $2,000 when the • Get answers to your questions before you buy. fence project is f or the rear of the house only. Adding • Never sign a contract unless you have read it to make two more sides would cost $1,500 more. sure it i ncludes all the terms and conditions you • Representing that a consumer will obtain a benefit agreed to. All verbal claims that a salesperson made for finding other customers if i t i s unlikely that the about the goods or services should be listed in the consumer will obtain such a benefit. Example: A contract. Never sign a blank contract that a multi-level marketer agrees to give you a reduced salesperson says will be filled in later. price on your next order when you refer a friend to • If a supplier makes a statement about an item that the company, but it n ever gives you a reduction. encourages you to buy it, a sk that the statement be • Representing that a product will perform, has written into the sales agreement, e.g. the car has capability or length of life of goods or services unless: never been in an accident.) • Adequate and proper independent tests are • Always keep your bills of sale, contracts, warranties, done before the representation is made instructions and cancelled cheques. • Testing substantiates the claim • The representation is a ccurate and fairly reflects the results of testing RESOLVING PROBLEMS It i s an offence for a supplier to engage in an unfair Talk to the business or supplier. This is t he first step practice. to resolving a problem. The tipsheet Negotiating a Consumer Complaint is a vailable from Alberta Government Services. See last page for contact Make sure you information. understand what is If y ou are not successful in resolving the problem and have lost money because of an unfair practice, you can start an action against the supplier in the Court of being offered in Queen's Bench. If t he claim is less than $25,000, it c an be heard before the Provincial Court of Alberta, Civil any advertising and Division. This level of court can only award damages for losses suffered. what a salesperson tells you about a product or service. 3 CONSUMER TIPSHEET Unfair Practices: The Fair Trading Act MOTOR VEHICLE COMPLAINTS The Alberta Motor Vehicle Industry Cour^cil (AMVIC) is responsible for investigating unfair practices when nnotor vehicles are repaired, leased or sold (including consignment sales) to consumers. Alberta Motor Vehicle Industry Council Box 11, Suite 303 9945 - 5 0 St, Edmonton, Alberta T6A 0L4 In Edmonton: (780) 466-1140 Toll-free in Alberta 1-877-313-3833 Fax: (780) 462-0633 www.amvic.org FOR MORE INFORMATION For more information about unfair practices contact Alberta Government Services Consumer Information Centre In Edmonton (780) 427-4088 Toll-free in Alberta 1-877-427-4088 www.governmentservices.gov.ab.ca A current version of this and other consumer tipsheets are available at the Alberta Government Services website www.governmentservices.gov.ab.ca. Most public libraries have Internet access if y ou don't have access at home. 4 If y ou need more copies of this tipsheet, you have permission to photocopy. CONSUMER TIPSHEET Dealing With Door-to-Door Sales This publication Is Intended to provide January 2006 general information only and Is not a substitute for legal advice. Door-to-door salespeople sell everything from encyclopedias and magazines to home improvements. If a contract is s igned, negotiated or concluded away from the seller's usual place of business, it is c onsidered a direct sale. HIGHLIGHTS LICENSING REQUIREMENTS 1 LICENSING In Alberta, most companies that sell products door-to-door must be REQUIREMENTS licensed under the Fa/r Trading Act and the Direct Selling Business Licensing Regulation. Licensed businesses are required to post a security 2 THE CONTRACT such as a bond if t he contract is w orth more than $25. If y ou make a 2 YOU CAN CHANGE purchase and later encounter problems, you may be able to get some or all YOUR MIND of your money back by making a claim against the security. Salespersons must carry identification that includes their business licence 3 HOW TO CANCEL A CONTRACT number. Before you allow a door-to-door seller into your home or office, ask to see their identification. 3 BEFORE YOU BUY Call Alberta Government Services to confirm that a business is licensed. 4 FOR MORE You can also find this information at the Alberta Government Services INFORMATION website - www.governmentservices.gov.ab.ca or by calling toll-free 1-877-427-4088. No licence required Some businesses do not require licensing under the Fair Trading Act, although they may be regulated by other legislation. Businesses that do not require a Direct Seller Licence include those selling: • Pre-arranged funerals and cemetery plots • Insurance • Lightning protection • Well-drilling services • Courses at private vocational schools • Securities • Alberta produce sold on farms • Magazine subscriptions sold by students • To other businesses • Real estate /dlberta • Mortgage broker services CONSUMER TIPSHEET Dealing With Door-to-Door Sales THE CONTRACT YOU CAN CHANGE YOUR MIND Once you decide to buy, make sure you get a signed The Fair Trading Act allows you to cancel a sale within sales contract. A direct sales contract nnust include the 10 days of receiving your copy of the signed contract if: following: • The purchase was for more than $25; • Full nannes and addresses for you and the business • The purchase was made away from the seller's normal • The name of the sales person (if a pplicable) place of business; and • The purchase was intended primarily for your • The company's telephone number and fax (if a pplicable) personal, family or household use. • The date and place of the contract You have one additional day to reconsider the purchase • A detailed description of the goods or services if t he last day you can cancel falls on a Sunday or • A price breakdown (if a pplicable) statutory holiday. • A statement of your cancellation rights • The total price of the contract and the terms of Extended cancellation rights payment You have up to one year to cancel if: • If t he goods and/or services are to be provided later, a • The seller did not have a required licence delivery date or the start date for services • The sales contract does not include all required information • The date when all services will be completed and/or goods provided • The goods are not all provided within 30 days of • Full credit disclosure including details about any the delivery date specified in the contract or security taken for payment agreed to in writing by the buyer and seller • The value and description of any trade-in • The services are not started within 30 days of the • Your signature and that of the sales representative delivery date specified in the contract or agreed to in writing by the buyer and seller Salespersons must If y ou accept the goods or allow services to begin after the 30-day period, you may no longer have extended cancellation rights. carry identification The direct sales cancellation rights under the Fair that includes their Trading Act do not apply to contracts negotiated business licence or concluded at the seller's place of business, a marketplace, auction, trade fair, agricultural fair or exhibition. number. Before you In some cases, a business may have its own cancellation allow a door-to-door policy in addition to the cancellation rights under the Fair Trading Act. Make sure any cancellation rights are included in the contract. seller into your home or office, ask to see their identification. 2

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