• Know the terms of the store’s layaway plan. Do not assume layaway is free.

Rainchecks:

A retailer may, but is not required to, offer a raincheck for advertised merchandise that is not available for purchase. 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:

Refund policies at some retailers may include a restocking or reshipping fee. Whatever the refund policies, retailers must conspicuously post them 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.

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 websites.

Be a Savvy Shopper:

• Make a budget and know what you can afford before you start shopping;
• Compare prices for the same item in store flyers or on the internet before making your purchase; and
• Avoid identity theft by protecting your credit card receipts and sales slips that contain personal information.

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 at www.state.nj.us/lps/ca/recall/recalls.htm.

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 at www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/charity/chardir.htm.

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 the telephone; and
• Never agree to have a messenger or delivery person come to your home to pick up your donation.

When receiving a solicitation for a donation by mail, remember:

• Trinkets and other items accompanying the donation request are gifts. You are not required to send a donation because you received a trinket or item;
• Be dubious if the charity claims you made a past donation or pledge but you have no record of it; and
• Ignore harassing letters that demand payment of a donation pledge that you have no record or recollection of making.

Consumers who believe they have been cheated or scammed by a business, or suspect any other form of consumer abuse, can file a complaint with the State Division of Consumer Affairs by visiting its website, www.NJConsumerAffairs.gov , or by calling 800-242-5846 (toll free within New Jersey) or 973-504-6200.

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Check our online calendar of upcoming Consumer Outreach events.

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