1. Chapter 27

2. Consumer Contract Caveat Emptor

3. How Laws Protect Consumers Federal Trade Commission (FTC) –Prohibits and investigates deceptive or unfair trade practices Consumer Product Safety Act- allows the government to ban, seize or prevent the sale of harmful products. Federal laws set standards for quality, safety and reliability

4. Nutrition Labeling and Education Act- Congress passed the act in 1992 requiring labeling of nutrition and ingredients in an understandable format

5. Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Protects against discrimination on the basis of a disability. –Persons with disabilities must be provided equal access. Equal access- businesses must make reasonable accommodations to ensure that their goods and services are accessible to those with disabilities –Must make changes that are easy to do and not excessively expensive

6. State and Local Consumer Protection Department of Justice –Office of Consumer Affairs Remedies Include –Class action lawsuits –Cease and desist orders –Consent decrees –Restitution www.dca.ca.gov

7. What to do before buying Comparison Shopping –Consider needs vs. wants, and consider warranty issues –Consider calling the BBB to determine if any complaints have been filed with the business www.oakland.bbb.org

8. Consumer Groups & Trade Associations Better Business Bureau- supported by local businesses- investigate complaints and offers mediation Chamber of Commerce- Local Media- Professional Associations

9. State Laws California Department of Justice –Office of the Attorney General Department of Consumer Affairs –www.dca.ca.govwww.dca.ca.gov Edmund G. Brown Federal and State Government Remedies include cease and desist orders consent decrees restitution

10. Taking a case to court Criminal Court –Knowingly misstates or misrepresents some important fact with intent to defraud you causing harm

11. Taking a case to court Civil Court Remedies –Damages – money ordered to be paid –Rescission and restitution- ordered to cancel a contract and to pay back money –Specific performances- ordered to carry out the specific terms of the contract agreement

12. Small Claims Court “People’s Court” Subpoena- a court order to appear in court