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Consumer Protection

Consumer Protection: Advice from The Bucks County Consumer Advocates

August 2007

Q.   My daughter and her boyfriend are looking for a rental property.  She is in an interracial relationship and feels that may be the reason for the lack of an approved rental application.  Who can she call to understand her rights and what is defined as a discriminatory practice? C.W., Bensalem

A.   Without knowing the facts we cannot really comment on your daughter’s situation.  In Pennsylvania there are two government agencies responsible for the handling of discrimination complaints.  The Fair Housing Enforcement Center is located at the Wanamaker Building, 100 Penn Square East, Philadelphia, Pa. 19107 and their number is 1-888-799-2085.  The other agency to contact is the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission’s Regional Office located at 711 State Office Building, 1440 Spring Garden Street, Philadelphia, PA. 19130.  They may be reached at 215-560-2496.

Q.   In the past I have purchased several items from the Internet.  I recently found a beautiful ring on an auction site.  I bid and won the ring.  When I received the ring I was not happy with the quality.  It appeared larger in the picture and the setting looked very cheap.  I had the ring inspected and the stone was a half a carat smaller than what was stated.  I would like to get my money back.  Is there anything that you can do to help me resolve this problem?  D.B., Chalfont     

A.   Many private sellers sell items on the Internet through auctions.  Unfortunately Bucks County Consumer Protection can only mediate between consumers and businesses, not between individuals.  Most government agencies may not be able to help resolve disputes since federal consumer protection laws do not apply to sales between individuals.  When dealing with private sellers on auctions sites you should find out what protection the auction site offers.  Ask if the site provides free insurance or guarantees for items that are not delivered or what the seller claimed.  If the seller cannot accept payment by credit card, use an escrow service.  Your money is held by a third party until you receive your purchase and have approved release of the payment to the seller.  There is a small fee, but the peace of mind is worth it.     

Q. I own a hybrid vehicle and heard that I may qualify for a premium discount.  I called my insurance company and they said it was not offered at this time.  Do you folks know anything about a hybrid discount?  K.P., Hatfield

A. According to the Pennsylvania Insurance Department there are currently three insurers offering premium discount for hybrid vehicle owners.  Farmers, Travelers and Geico are the three that have been approved to offer the discounts.  More insurers will probably follow suit.  The hybrid discount is only one factor to consider when shopping for insurance or switching to a new carrier.  Consumers need to investigate the market and get at least three quotes from different carriers.  It is extremely important with insurance products that you compare apples to apples.  Coverage, price and service all need to be considered.  The Pennsylvania Insurance Department offers a great brochure called “Your Guide to Auto Insurance Premiums”.  You can go online to www.insurance.state.pa.us to download a copy or you may call an automated consumer hotline at 1-877-881-6388.

Q. I was living in a house with someone I thought was a friend for about nine months.  I thought we had an oral agreement that I could live there rent free and I would do the cleaning around the house.  Now after a terrible fight I was thrown out.  When I tried to get back into the house the police were called on me.  The police told me if I didn’t leave peacefully I would be arrested.  Don’t I have to be taken through District Court for an eviction?  D.A., Quakertown        

A. No.  What you had with your friend is not consider a rental issue.  There would have to be some proof of rent being paid monthly.  Consumers who are considering renting should never rely on an oral agreement.  Make sure the lease is in writing.  Something else a consumer should do is keep a paper trail of the rent payments whether it is the canceled checks or receipt the landlord has signed.  For a free copy of the Landlord/Tenant act, please contact Bucks County Consumer Protection at 1-800-942-2669.    

Q.  I am really concerned about a recent call.  The phone number came up as unavailable on my called ID.  When I answered, the caller told me that they were from Medicare.  Then they started to ask a lot of personal and financial questions.  I stopped the caller and told her I would call Medicare myself and that I do not give information over the phone and hung up the phone.  I know that the caller was not from Medicare and was just trying to scam another senior.  I am very worried that some seniors would volunteer their information straight away.  Can you warn them about this?  G. K., Bristol

A.  Absolutely and thank you for being concerned about your fellow seniors.  You did exactly what we would recommend to do in that situation.  Hang up and give no information.  Everyone, whether a senior or not, should always be suspicious of phone calls that you do not initiate.  Most phone scams involve callers who are pretending to be from your bank, credit card company or a government agency.  The callers are usually very convincing and seem to know enough about you to make you feel comfortable.  That is when you usually drop your guard and volunteer information.  Our office has a free guide to help inform and protect our seniors.  Even though the guide is focused on seniors it covers topics that everyone with an elder parent should know.  Call our office at 1-800-942-2669 to get a copy.

Q.   I had a lot of landscaping done in my yard by a landscaper back in 2005.  I noticed immediately that some of the shrubs were looking bad.  I made numerous calls to the landscaper and I kept getting the run around.  Finally I called your office and was told to send a letter.  I still have not heard from the landscaper and I have several dead shrubs and two dead trees.  What can I do?  W.L., Yardley 

A.   Bucks County Consumer Protection was not aware when you called that the work was done two years ago.  The business had a one year warranty and feels they are not obligated.  The problem is that a letter was not sent right away when you became aware of the dying shrubs and trees. It was allowed to be prolonged past the warranty.  If you had sent a letter showing the date and the concerns for the damaged material, keeping a copy, you would have had the documentation.  As soon as a consumer finds they have an issue with a business, they should immediately contact the business.  If the business does not settle with the consumer right away, the consumer should document the grievance by sending the business a letter stating the problem and what resolution the consumer would like to see.  Consumers should keep a copy for their records and if possible send the letter certified mail, return receipt requested.  This way there would be no question of when the damage took place.

Department of Consumer Protection /
Weights and Measures
Michael D. Bannon
Director
50 North Main Street
Doylestown, PA 18901
Phone: 215-348-7442
Fax: 215-348-4570
Canny Consumer Hotline 1-800-942-2669