Warning vs. Rustan's supermarket at Ayala Center, Makati; etc.

Warning vs. Rustan's supermarket at Ayala Center, Makati. On April 30, 2008, deadly weapons could have been brought into said store because of security lapse by guard at street entrance to said said store. Said guard didn't examine the contents of my shoulder bag, which was large enough to contain said weapons. Then, said store sold me an imported box of Quaker Oats. Said box didn't contain a visible, to unaided eye, indication of the importer/distributor of said product. I believe said store violated the Consumer Act of the Philippines. Then, an employee of said store gave me less money change than I was entitled to receive.


Recommended web site:
consumeraction gov web site
http://www.consumeraction.gov/

The Consumer Action Website is maintained and updated by the Federal Citizen Information Center. The information below should help you navigate through the site.

Consumer Topics: This list of consumer topics allows you to access tips for purchasing specific goods and services, like cars, home improvement, insurance, and more. It also includes handy information about spam, identity theft, credit, travel,
utilities and more.

How to File a Complaint: This is a great place to start if you have a problem with a recent purchase. This section includes a sample complaint letter as well as helpful information about legal issues and dispute resolution.


Specific Audiences: Look here to find the most useful consumer resources for special audiences, such as military personnel, teachers, and persons with disabilities.

Consumer News: This side box includes links to timely consumer news pieces, such as recall announcements, scam and fraud alerts and more. Each consumer topic area has its own Consumer News box. Check back often to see new additions.

Feature Links: This side box contains helpful links for each of the consumer topic areas.

FAQs: Look here for the most Frequently Asked Questions about this website.


Sample Cover Letter & E-mail: Look here for a guide when writing a complaint letter or e-mail.

Espanol: Please visit our Spanish-language site too.

http://www.consumeraction.gov/pdfs/Consumer_Topics.pdf

Consumer Topics:
General Buying Tips
Banking
Cars
Credit
Education
Employment
Food and Nutrition
Health Care
Housing
Insurance
Internet
Investing
Phones
Protect Your Identity
Protect Your Privacy
Shopping From Home
Telemarketing and Junk Mail
Travel
TV
Utilities



General Buying Tips - Consumer Quick Tips

Quick Consumer Tips

As a savvy consumer, you should always be on the alert for shady deals and scams. To protect your money and avoid being a victim of fraud, keep these things in mind:

1. A deal that sounds too good to be true usually is! Offers that often fall into
this category are promises to fix your credit problems, low-interest credit
cards, deals that let you skip credit card payments, business/job
opportunities, risk-free investments, and free travel.
2. Extended warranties and service contracts are rarely worth what you pay for
them.
3. Say no to credit insurance offers. Often offered with credit cards, car loans
and home mortgages, it is almost always better to purchase regular property,
life or disability insurance.
4. There is no universal three-day cooling-off period. Don't be misled into
thinking that you have an automatic three days to cancel a purchase. Only a
few types of contracts give you a right to cancel.
5. Think twice before sharing personal information.
6. Beware of payday and tax refund loans. Interest rates on these loans are
usually excessive. Even a high-interest cash advance on a credit card could be
a better option.
7. Not all plastic cards offer the same protections. Your liability for the
unauthorized use of a gift card and debit/ATM card may be much higher than the
$50 maximum on your credit card.
8. Real estate agents represent the seller – not the buyer. When buying, consider
hiring an agent or lawyer who represents you.
9. Home improvement and auto repairs are the subject of frequent complaints Second
opinions are especially important when you are dealing with a repair service
you do not know.
10. Think twice before you rent-to-own. Interest rates on rent-to-own purchases can
be very high. If you miss a payment, you could end up with nothing. Consider
other options such as buying second-hand at a thrift shop or through ads in
your local newspaper.
11. Don't buy under stress. Research suggests senior citizens, people in crisis
(e.g., coping with a death or debt), college students, small business owners,
minorities, and immigrants are especially at risk of being victimized. Avoid
making big-ticket purchases during times of duress.
12. Be cautious of Buy Here, Pay Here lots. If you decide to buy a car from a used
car lot, be sure to read all of the papers before you sign. Don't sign
contracts that allow the dealership to change the finance rate AFTER you leave
the lot.
13. Work-at-home ads usually don't pay off. Be especially wary of ads that promise
huge annual salaries; they often require expensive upfront fees with no
guarantee. You risk losing your money and wasting a lot of time and energy.

General Buying Tips - Before You Buy

To avoid problems and make better decisions, use this checklist BEFORE you make a purchase.

* Decide in advance exactly what you want and what you can afford.
* Don’t buy on impulse or under pressure. This includes donating to charity. Do
your research.
* Ask family, friends and others you trust for advice based on their experience.
Gather information about both the seller and the item or service you are
purchasing.
* Review product test results and other information from consumer experts.
* Get advice and price quotes from several sellers.
* Make sure that the seller has all appropriate licenses.
* Check out a company’s complaint record with your local consumer affairs office.
* Get a written copy of guarantees and warranties. Compare their features.
* Get the seller’s refund, return and cancellation policies.
* Ask who to contact if you have a question or problem.
* Read and understand any contract or legal document you are asked to sign. Make
sure there are no blank spaces. Insist that any extras you are promised be put
in writing.
* Consider paying by credit card. If you have a problem, you can dispute a charge
made on your credit card.

General Buying Tips - Service Contracts and Extended Warranties

Sellers of cars, major appliances and other expensive items may try to sell you a service contract or "extended warranty." Service contracts can add hundreds to your purchase price and are rarely worth the cost. Some duplicate warranty coverage
you get automatically from a manufacturer or dealer. Ask these questions before you agree to one of these contracts:

* Does the dealer, the manufacturer, or an independent company back the service
contract?
* How are claims handled? Who will do the work and where it will be done?
* What happens to your coverage if the dealer or administrator goes out of
business?
* Do you need prior authorization for repair work?
* Are there any situations when coverage can be denied? You may not have
protection from common wear and tear. And some manufacturers do not honor
contracts if you fail to follow their recommendations for routine maintenance.

General Buying Tips - Product Safety Recalls

Ready to buy a used vehicle or other second-hand product? Check to be sure it hasn't been recalled for safety reasons. Some recalls ban the sale of an item while others ask consumers to return the item for replacement or repair. Sometimes a seller
provides a part that reduces the danger of using the product.

Reference For Recalls

* www.Recalls.gov -- lists government-initiated recalls, which are gathered from
federal agencies.
* www.pueblo.gsa.gov -- lists both government and industry-initiated recalls.
* www.nhsta.gov -- lists recalls and safety information on vehicles and
equipment.

General Buying Tips - Identifying and Stopping Fraud

Fraud by telephone, Internet and mail is a serious international problem. Con artists can steal your money, your identity and even your self-respect. Protect yourself by looking for these warning signs:

* Someone asks you to send money to claim a lottery or prize or to obtain a
credit or loan.
* Someone you don't know requests that you send money via wire transfer, the most
common way fraud criminals obtain money from victims. There is NO legitimate
reason for someone who claims to be giving you money to ask you to wire
money back.
* An unknown caller claiming to be a lawyer or in law enforcement offers to help
you get your money back (for a fee).
* The deal is only good for today or a short period of time.
* The seller offers "free gifts" in return for a minimum effort or a fee.
* A "repair person" suddenly finds a dangerous defect in your car or home.
* You are given little or no time to read a contract.
* A sale item is suddenly unavailable but a "much better item" is available for
slightly more money.
* Someone is trying to scare you into purchasing credit protection plans.
* The solicitation looks like a government document and suggests you can claim
contest winnings or unclaimed assets for a small fee.
* You are asked for your bank account or credit card number.

General Tips for Avoiding Fraud

1. Don't' give out personal information. This includes your Social Security
number, credit card and bank account details, date of birth, etc.
2. Have a plan. Having a plan for terminating a potentially fraudulent interaction
is one of the best ways to protect yourself. Develop a refusal script to
politely get off the phone, such as, "I'm sorry. This is not a good time."

The Best Way to Help Stop Fraud Is To Report It

If a scam artist has contacted you or if you've been defrauded, contact the National Bureau of Investigation. By reporting your experience, you can prevent others from becoming victims.

General Buying Tips - After You Buy

What you do after you buy can be as important as what you do before you buy. These steps will help you avoid as well as deal with any problems that might pop up.

* Save all papers that you get with your purchase. Keep all contracts, sales
receipts, canceled checks, owner’s manuals and warranty documents.
* Read and follow product and service instructions. The way you use or take care
of a product will affect your warranty rights.