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TagsThe artful elbowing when four of them go for the last three copies of the new hot video game.
The fearlessness involved in joining the stampede for the discount TV's.
The refusal to back off in the game of chicken over the newly-opened parking space at the mall.
State Acting Consumer Affairs Director Thomas R. Calcagni wants them to come home winners so on Thursday he reminded shoppers to know their rights about rainchecks, gift cards and item refunds.
"Consumers need to be alert and cautious this holiday shopping season," Calcagni said. "Con artists take no time off and fraud against consumers occurs year-round.
Calcagni urged consumers to know their rights in the marketplace, including the following:Rainchecks: Retailers must offer a raincheck to all customers when advertised merchandise is not available for purchase, unless the merchandise is advertised as being available in a specific quantity (i.e. "10 per store") or in "limited supply." When a raincheck is issued:
- The retailer has 60 days to honor the raincheck, unless the consumer holding the raincheck agrees to an extension;
- If the item costs more than $15, the retailer must give written or telephonic notice to the consumer when the item becomes available; and
- After such notice is given, the item must be held for the consumer for at least 10 days or the end of the 60-day raincheck period (whichever is greater).
Refunds: Retailers must conspicuously post their refund policy for all merchandise in one of the following locations:
- Attached to the item itself;
- Affixed to each cash register or at point of sale;
- Situated as to be clearly visible to the buyer from the cash register; or
- Posted at each store entrance used by the public.
Gift Cards: No gift card or gift certificate can expire for five years after purchase;
No dormancy fee can be imposed within the first 24 months following purchase or within the 24 month period following last use of the gift card;
After 24 months of non-activity, the issuer may charge a maximum dormancy fee of $2 per month; and
The gift card must include a telephone number to call for information about its expiration date or dormancy fees.
Store Lay-A-Way: Know the terms of the store's lay-a-way plan. Do not assume lay-a-way is free.
Online Purchases: Be certain the website is secure or uses encryption before entering personal and credit card information -- look for "https" in the website address;
Verify that the business operates from a real location and be wary of businesses that only list a Post Office Box as an address;
Find out how the business resolves consumer disputes, by reading the posted "terms and conditions";
Print out a transaction record for each purchase and keep it to resolve any issues regarding the item being purchased; and
Do not click on links contained in unsolicited emails from supposed shopping web sites.
Toy Safety: The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has authority to issue recalls for unsafe or dangerous toys. Consumers can check the list of recalled toys via the Division's website.
Charitable Giving: All charities doing business in New Jersey must be registered, unless the charity raises less than $10,000 annually and does not use paid fund raisers to solicit donations.
To verify whether a charity is registered, check the online registry maintained by the Division. Know the warning signs of a scam. If you receive a telephone call from a charity asking for a donation:
- Avoid being pressured into making an immediate donation;
- Beware if you are offered a prize or gift in return for your donation;
- Do not give credit card information to an unknown person over telephone; and
- Never agree to have a messenger or delivery person come to your home to pick up your donation.
