Street Law: A Course in Practical LawChapter 26:
Deceptive Sales PracticesCases and ResourcesTelemarketing Sales
Door-to-Door and Telephone Sales
Advertising and the Consumer
Bait and Switch
Mail-Order Sales
Internet Commerce
Repairs and Estimates Telemarketing Sales
Do Not Call List
To reduce the number of calls they get from telemarketers, some consumers register their numbers on the national Do Not Call list. If you register your number at this site, can telemarketers still call you? FCC Tips
The Federal Communications Commission has imposed regulations on the contact telemarketers can have with consumers. Read these tips for dealing with telemarketers. Dishonest Telemarketers
Many consumers, especially older Americans, are vulnerable to dishonest telemarketers. Read this article to learn how to protect yourself. Why do telemarketers target older consumers? Now read this article about telemarketing scams How can you avoid these scams? Complying with the Telemarketing Sales Rule
Learn what businesses must do to comply with federal laws on telemarketing. What types of organizations must follow telemarketing rules? Back to Top
Door-to-Door and Telephone Sales
Door-to-Door Sales: Protecting Yourself from Fraud (AARP)
This article teaches you the difference between honest and dishonest door-to-door salespeople. Learn how to protect yourself and identify who is legitimate. Youth and Door-to-Door Sales (Department of Labor)
Young people often go door-to-door to raise money or to sell items. There are special laws for youths and door-to-door sales activity. Read the federal and state laws about traveling door-to-door as a minor. Back to Top
Advertising and the Consumer
FTC Advertising Requirements
Read this policy statement by the Federal Trade Commission. What do advertisers have to do to make advertisements acceptable? Tobacco Marketing and Kids
Young people are often the audience for advertisements. Tobacco companies have been accused of advertising to young people in order to attract young smokers who will be customers for the tobacco companies for a long time. Visit this site to take a closer look at this issue. Children's Advertising Review Unit of the Better Business Bureau
Because young people are key targets for advertising, the BBB has a special unit to monitor advertising during children's television programming. Read the guidelines established by the BBB and find out which products are of concern when children are the audience. Federal Trade Commission Act
Read this act which created the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). What is the purpose of the FTC? Back to Top
Bait and Switch
Automobile Advertising and Bait and Switch
The bait and switch sales technique is often associated with car sales. Read this article warning consumers about this technique. Internet Bait and Switch
This news article describes a business prosecuted for a “bait and switch” tactic in Internet advertising. What did the business promise, and what did consumers receive? Back to Top
Mail-Order Sales
FTC Mail and Telephone Order Rules
Learn the proper way to conduct mail-order sales. What do direct marketers have to do to comply with the FTC rules in this field? Catch the Bandit in Your Mailbox
Learn how to distinguish legitimate offers in your mailbox from those that are unreliable. What is mail order fraud and how can you protect yourself from such fraud? Fair Credit Billing Act
Read through the FCBA . What does this act protect? Read an explanation of the FCBA provided by the Federal Trade Commission. Back to Top
Internet Commerce
Advertising and Marketing on the Internet
Read the FTC guidelines on advertising and marketing on the Internet. What federal rules protect you when you are buying something online based on Internet advertisement information? Fight Spam
If you receive unwanted e-mail in your inbox, visit this site about fighting spam. Learn what spam is and what consumers can do to stop spam. Shop Safely Online
Read these recommendations by the federal government on protecting yourself as you shop online. How do things go wrong for consumers when they shop online? Consumer WebWatch
Consumer WebWatch evaluates Web sites to help consumers choose trustworthy sites where they can gather information or make purchases. Back to Top
Repairs and Estimates
Repairs to Your Home
After a disaster, many people seek estimates on repairs needed to their homes. This is a time when some businesses might take advantage of customers by giving unfair estimates or doing a poor job. Read this article to learn how to protect yourself. Auto Repair Tips
Learn how to read an auto repair estimate and what questions to ask at the repair shop. Back to Top
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