Protect yourself with top five
consumer tips
With B.C.’s first Consumer Awareness Week now in full swing, the Ministry of
Justice and Consumer Protection BC are sharing their top five consumer tips of
all-time under the theme of “Take Five” - representing not only the number of
tips released per day during Consumer Awareness Week, but also the need for
consumers to pause before making any purchasing decision.
Take
Five: Top five all-time consumer tips:
1. Trust
your gut. Remember
that if an offer seems too good to be true, it often is.
2. Read
the fine print. Although
many of us are tempted to sign a contract without pouring over all the details,
it’s important for consumers to read – and understand – all the terms and
conditions before signing off.
3. Do
your homework. Before
making a purchase, shop around to compare the product, the cost, warranties and
more. If you’re hiring a service provider, ask for references and do a little
research of your own - search for online reviews and check in with friends and
family members to see if they have experiences to share.
4. Stick
to a budget. Debt
can creep up on all of us – especially when we overextend our credit. Be
realistic about what you can afford and determine if the purchase is really a
“need” or a “want.”
5. Know
where to get help. For
more information about consumers’ rights and responsibilities in British
Columbia, or if you aren’t sure who to contact for help, contact Consumer
Protection BC by visiting - www.consumerprotectionbc.ca - or calling toll-free 1
888 564-9963.
Consumer
Awareness Week (March 15 - 22) was proclaimed with the goal of helping B.C.
consumers know and understand their rights. During the week, the Ministry of
Justice, Consumer Protection BC and key partner organizations will share
important tips on a number of current marketplace issues.
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