CAC Secures $33 Million for Consumers

The Consumer Affairs Commission (CAC) last year, secured in excess of $33 million on behalf of aggrieved consumers.
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the CAC, Dolsie Allen told JIS News that the agency has settled 92 per cent of the more than 1,800 complaints received last calendar year.
Mrs. Allen noted that most of the complaints were filed in the furniture and appliance category, while the purchasing of used cars followed with the second highest.
The CEO urged consumers to be more responsible in their purchasing decisions when disposing of funds, especially on high value investments, such as motor vehicles and stressed the need for a certified or experienced mechanic to be present during the time of transaction and/or purchase, to assess the vehicle and identify any existing problems or defects.Important too, she noted, is for consumers to take time out to examine items for defects before completing transactions.
“We continue to advise consumers to arm yourself with adequate information when you are purchasing, especially high priced items.know exactly what you want, so that when you go to purchase, you can ask the relevant questions,” she urged.
Additionally, she called on vendors to become informed about the products that they sell and to “offer good customer service and give the information that may be required.”
Meanwhile, the CEO said that there has been a reduction in the number of complaints, since more persons are calling the CAC for advice before making purchases. She credited the increase in consumer awareness to the Commission’s aggressive public education outreach programme.