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| Contact: Jon Sorensen (518) 473-9472 | For Immediate Release: August 24, 2007 |
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CPB Launches 4 R's CampaignConsumer Crusaders' Will Seek Out Store Policies on Refunds,
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| The New York State Consumer Protection Board (CPB) is recruiting shoppers
to watch for store policies related to refunds, rebates, rainchecks and recalls
and report their findings to the CPB. "We hope shoppers will become our 'Consumer Crusaders' starting with the next busy shopping season, the back-to-school sales," said CPB Chairperson Mindy A. Bockstein. "Parents and even kids can participate in our 4 R's Campaign." AARP and the Statewide Senior Action Council will be promoting the new campaign and will ask their members to participate in the 4 Rs campaign. "AARP members have been our most effective watchdogs in identifying consumer policies that compromise their financial security and helping to create solutions," said Lois Aronstein, AARP New York State Director. "AARP will encourage our members to use the retail scorecard and support the NYS Consumer Protection Board in this state wide consumer protection program." A scorecard is available on the CPB's website which will help consumers keep track of whether stores post refund signs and otherwise provide legally-mandated information regarding their rebate policies, as well as notices regarding rainchecks and recalled products. "Business policies and practices are annually the second largest source of complaints received by the CPB and these complaints often involve refunds, rebates, rainchecks and recalls," said Chairperson Bockstein. One example, she said, is the confusion over prices when a rebate is offered. Consumers who think they are buying a product at the price displayed next to the merchandise often discover that is the price after a rebate. The actual price at the checkout is considerably greater. New York State law prohibits the advertising of a rebate price unless a store also displays the actual purchase price next to the rebate price. State law also requires that, at the time of purchase, consumers must be provided with all the materials and paperwork they need to submit for a rebate. The law also gives consumers at least 14 days after a purchase to submit their application for a rebate and customers must receive their rebate no more than 60 days after an application has been received. Chairperson Bockstein said, "With the help of our consumer volunteers, we will have a better idea of what is transpiring in the marketplace and how stores are serving customers who seek information regarding refunds, rebates, recalls or rainchecks. We also want to acknowledge those retailers that are going the extra mile." The CPB will also be working with the New York State Retail Council to encourage retailers to comply with the law. Further information regarding the CPB's "4 Rs" Campaign and how to become a Consumer Crusader is available at www.nysconsumer.gov or by calling 1-800-697-1220. |