This week has been designated National Consumers Week through a proclamation signed by Governor David Beasley and through individual proclamations signed by mayors in South Carolina cities and towns.  This year's theme A FAIR SHAKE IN THE MARKETPLACE emphasizes the need for consumers to understand their rights and responsibilities which will provide them with a greater understanding of operating in a sometimes complex free enterprise system.  To celebrate the week the Department sponsored an essay contest for South Carolina seventh graders and a slogan competition for fourth and fifth graders.  Also, a special telecast entitled Fraud, Schemes and Rip-Offs will be shown on SCETV on Wednesday at 8pm.

    To highlight important consumer issues my office has prepared a consumer quiz.  How much do you know about your consumer rights?

(1)  Does South Carolina have a lemon law?  If so, when did it become effective and what does it cover?

(2)  Your new washing machine spills water on the floor.  The dealer's mechanics have repaired it several times under the warranty, but it still isn't working properly.  Your warranty runs out, and two weeks later it spills water again.   Do you have to pay for the repairs now?

(3)  A telemarketer calls and tells you that you have won a prize, but you must pay a processing fee to get it. Is this legal?

(4)  A debt collection agency keeps calling you at home about some bill you owe.  You want to pay the bill but lost your job two months ago.  Can you stop the collector from calling?

(5)  Last night you signed a health spa contract at the local spa.   Do you have three days to cancel?

(6)  You have filed for bankruptcy and have recently received a letter from a credit repair company offering to hide your unfavorable credit information by establishing a new credit identity for you.  Is this legal?

(7)  A few days ago you applied for a separate, unsecured credit account and the creditor asked your marital status.  Can they do that?

ANSWERS

(1) YES. It became effective October 3, 1989.  The law covers cars, small trucks and vans that have defects that impair its use or lower its market value and repairs that the manufacturer cannot repair within a reasonable period of time.

(2)  NO. Your warranty rights do not run out for the problems you complained about during the warranty period.

(3)  NO.  If you are asked to pay for a prize---HANG UP.

(4)  YES.  If you write the collector a letter indicating that you do not want to be called at home.  This, however does not erase your debt.   You still owe the money, and the creditor can use other remedies, such as filing unfavorable credit information with the credit bureau.

(5)  NO.  You usually do not get an automatic three-day cooling off period for sales made at the merchant's regular place of business.

(6)  NO.  This scheme is illegal and if you use it, you could face fines or even prison.

(7)  NO.  However, if you live in a community property state a creditor may ask you to reveal this.