The Consumer Affairs Commission continues in its mandate to protect consumers!

Do you know the function of the Consumer Affairs Commission?

The persons I asked about its role were only able to mutter vague expressions of a commission that specialized in consumer protection.

However, they were unable to itemize how the agency protects consumers and the extent to which they thought it was effective.

Informative

The Consumer Affairs Commission (C.A.C) provides consumers with valuable information on the products and services offered to them.

They issue consumer alerts through the media that might otherwise have passed unnoticed by the public.

A recent consumer alert was published in the December 2, 2014 issue of The Gleaner. The commission warned consumers of signing contracts for same day loan services as some of these companies were found have unethical practices.

According to the article, ‘Director of Communications Latoya Halstead says, “The Commission is concerned that it appears that these businesses are using processing fees as a means to generate revenue with no real intention to grant loans.”

The article goes on to suggest that these companies are targeting the vulnerable members of society who they know will not be able to honour their loan agreement and so will relinquish their collateral.

It is certainly sad that this practice has flourished, especially this time of the year when persons might need some extra cash.

Complaints

The commission also provides an avenue for consumers who have need for redress. Those who have been swindled or provided with poor service can report those companies.

There are several ways in which consumers can submit their concerns. They can utilize the commission’s website and send a message or call the C.A.C and speak to an customer service agent.

Recently there has been a new launch of another way to send a complaint to the commission.

This involves a free text message service.

The SMS Notification and Alert service is aimed at providing important news to consumers on issues relating to food and product recalls; as well as general consumer alerts on their mobile phones.

The campaign is called, ‘Pass it on’ and consumers who want access to this service may register at the Consumer Affairs Commission’s website w ww.cac.gov.jm where the option is given to select the types of alert preferred.

Consumers may also send the SMS message “Sign me up” to 322-5433 to be registered.

So now you know the role of the Consumer Affairs Commission!

Teri Ann Renee Paisley
Gleaner Online Writer

Tags: Consumer Affairs Commission