As a consumer, you owe it to yourself to know what your rights are.
Get informed
- Read on the subject, do some research, ask questions.
- Contact consumer organizations to get information.
- Keep receipts, contracts, proofs of purchase, etc., in case you need them later.
- Read the small print in ads and contracts.
- Never sign anything unless you know exactly what you’re getting into. Read before you sign!
- Make sure the business or company with which you want to do business is reputable.
- If you put something on layaway, make sure your deposit is secure and find out if it’s refundable.
- Ask about refund, return and cancellation policies. See the Ministry of Consumer Services.
- Beware of companies with no fixed address or that have only have a P.O. Box for an address.
- Beware of 1-900 telephone numbers; they charge by the minute.
- Beware of fraudulent contests and work-at-home scams.
Did you know?
Beware of products that promise miracle results. Remember: if an offer seems too good to be true, it probably is.