Unit 7. Consumer Protection Agencies and Organizations

1. Сomplete the sentences, using the appropriate words:

a – utilities; b – private; c – arbitration; d – binding; e – directory; f – an attorney; g – publicity; h – mediate; i – enforce­ment; j – associations.

1. A telephone … can save hours in dealing with consumer protection agencies and organizations.

2. Some places have … programs to help with consumer complaints.

3. In some instances, the decision of the arbitrators is … on both the business and the consumer.

4. Many … organizations help consumers.

5. BBBs investigate consumer complaints, contact the company involved, and try to … a settlement.

6. … is a powerful weapon.

7. Many business and professional people belong to … that act on behalf of the entire profession or occupation.

8. Professional association may have no legal … powers over their members.

9. If you have a complaint against …, you can contact the American Bar Association.

10. Consumer protection groups deal with everything from regulating public … to making sure you get a fair deal when you have your car repaired.

2. Are the statements true (+) or false (–)? Correct the false statements.

1. Many directories have a section in the middle of the book that provides a comprehensive listing of government agencies.

2. If you choose to use an arbitration program, be sure to ask for and read a copy of the rules after you file your case.

3. The party bound by the decision usually agrees to pursue some other remedy, such as going to court.

4. Better Business Bureaus are government agencies.

5. BBBs have law enforcement power, they do not monitor business activity.

6. BBBs usually act only as mediators and do not force a business to settle.

7. Many con­sumers can settle problems by contacting, or threatening to contact, the media.

8. A consumer complaint to a professional association may result in pressure on, or dismissal of, the offending member.

9. Some states and local governments have consumer protection groups.

10. Consumer protection groups are always located within the state attorney general’s office.

Unit 8. Taking Your Case to Court

1. Сomplete the sentences, using the appropriate words:

a – designed; b – costly; c – guardians; d – action; e – a fine; f – position; g – fraud; h – damages; i – jail term; j – time–consuming.

1. Your complaint may form the basis for a criminal … against the seller.

2. Minors can sue through their parents or… .

3. Criminal … oc­curs when a salesperson knowingly misstates or misrepresents some important fact, resulting in harm.

4. State laws provide … or … for a convicted defendant.

5. Taking a case to court can be … and … .

6. In civil court you can sue for… .

7. A suit for damages or specific performance is designed to place you in approximately the … you would have been in if the contract had been successfully completed.

8. A suit for rescission and restitution is … to return both the buyer and the seller to the positions they were in before the contract began.

2. Are the statements true (+) or false (–)? Correct the false statements.

1. Whether or not a crime is involved, you may wish to take your case to civil court.

2. A seller’s action is never a crime.

3. In case you’re the victim of a crime you should contact the police or your local prosecutor.

4. If a civil dispute involves a large amount of money, the case will be brought in criminal court.

5. In some places high–cost legal services may be available to consumers who cannot afford an attorney.

6. If you sue for damages, you ask the court to order the seller to carry out the specific terms of the agreement.

7. Specific performance is an order to pay to a person who has suffered a loss or an injury.

8. If you ask to cancel the contract it is called restitution.

9. Rescission is an order to the person you are suing to give back any money you have already paid.

UNIT 9. Small Claims Court