Consumer Rights and Protections Know Your Rights!

In 1962 President Kennedy laid out principles that would later become the foundation for a Consumer Bill of Rights - rights to safety, information, choice, and to be heard. 

The Consumer Bill of Rights The  right to satisfaction  of  basic needs  -  to  have access to basic, essential goods and services:  adequate food, clothing, shelter, healthcare, education and sanitation. The right to a healthy environment  -  to live and work in an environment which is non-threatening to the  well-being of present and future generations. The  right  to  safety  -  to be protected against products, production processes and services that are  hazardous to health or life. The right to be heard  -  to have consumer interests represented in the making and execution of government policy, and in the development of products and services. The  right  to  redress  -  to receive a fair settlement of just claims, including compensation for misrepresentation, shoddy goods or unsatisfactory services. The  right  to  be  informed  -  to be given the facts needed to make an informed choice, and to be protected  against dishonest or misleading advertising and labelling. The right to consumer education  -  to acquire knowledge and skills needed to make informed, confident choices about goods and services, while being aware of basic consumer rights and responsibilities and how  to act on them. The  right  to  choose  -  to be able to select from a range of products and services, offered at competitive  prices with an assurance of satisfactory quality.  

Consumer Protection There are many federal, state and local agencies and laws that protect consumers and help them exercise their rights including…

Federal Trade Commission The Federal Trade Commission was created in 1914. Its mission is to “prevent business practices that are anticompetitive or deceptive or unfair to consumers; to enhance informed consumer choice and public understanding of the competitive process; and to accomplish this without unduly burdening legitimate business activity.”

Consumer Financial Protection Bureau The CFPB, is an independent agency created in2010 to regulate financial products to help protect consumers. www.cfpb.gov

The Fair Credit Reporting Act allows consumers to view and dispute information on their credit reports. The Credit Card Accountability Responsibility and Disclosure Act of 2009 makes it easier for consumers to understand how credit card fees and interest rates work and limits the practice of excessive marketing to teens and young adults.

Fair Debt Collection Practices Act – limits the hours when collection agencies can call consumers. http://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0149-debt-collection