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Consumer Protection: Advice from The Bucks County Consumer Advocates

August 2008

Q.  I was selling some furniture on Craig’s List.  This guy contacted me and we decided on a price and shipping. The bottom line was $350. He sent me a bank check for $2200.00 and asked me to send him the difference. Red flag, I know it’s a scam, but the check looks real.  I assume it’s a scam and actually would like to know what to do with the check and who to report the incident to?  L.M.H, Falls

A.  Looking at the check you would be inclined to think it was real.  You are definitely correct in the fact it is a scam, and after reviewing everything there were several red flags.  First off, who sends more money than necessary?  Secondly, the buyer is supposedly from New York state and the bank check is cut in the state of Tennessee.  Our office called the bank’s security division and they were aware of the problem and an internal investigation was in process.  Check scams are almost commonplace today, and the variations really never seem to end.  Some fake checks look so real that bank tellers can be fooled.  The scammers use high quality printers and scanners to make the checks look perfect.  Many have authentic looking watermarks and are printed with names and addresses of legitimate financial institutions.  Many of them also have real account and routing numbers on them.  We have seen these fakes come in many forms, from cashier’s checks and money orders to corporate and personal checks.  The bottom line is to protect yourself.  If you cash a counterfeit check the bank will hold you responsible for the funds.  It is always best to accept checks from people and businesses you know and trust.  If you receive a check we suggest that you proceed with caution.  Check with your bank and if they confirm it is fake, then contact the United States Postal Inspector since they investigate mail and wire fraud.  Residents who receive such scams should contact their local post office for the Postal Inspector’s address and number. 

Consumer Alert:

I live in Bristol Township and we had our roads paved last year.   Some of us were told by the township that we needed to fix our sidewalks.  There was a contractor who seemed to be following the road crew to drum up business.  My neighbors and I were given a price to repave our driveway and redo parts of our sidewalks that needed to be replaced.  Some of my neighbors and I hired this contractor and now we regret it.  He never completed the jobs and some of the work that was done wasn’t done properly.  We have been trying to get him to come back out to finish the work and fix the mistakes that were made, but he doesn’t even bother to call us back.  I made the mistake of paying him in full.  I contacted Bucks County Consumer Protection and found out that he has some complaints that are unresolved.  I wish I would have checked out the business before I hired him. So the other day I was visiting a friend in the Pinewood section and noticed that they are now getting their roads done.  I thought I should write and warn people to check out the business before you hire them.  Consumers should call Bucks County Consumer Protection at 1-800-942-2669 and ask about any business they are considering.

Q. I have seen the Bucks County Weights and Measures truck out checking gas station pumps.  I was wondering if they also check oil delivery trucks. G.M., Doylestown

A. All oil delivery trucks based in Bucks County are checked by the Bucks County Department of Weights and Measures.  They are inspected and tested for accuracy.  If the truck passes a seal is placed on the vehicle.  If the truck fails it must be repaired and re-inspected before any deliveries can be made to the public.  The department recognizes more than ever that the cost of fuel oil, natural gas, propane and gasoline have risen rapidly and are putting serious financial strain on people’s budgets.  The department is the third party in every transaction.  They are constantly and consistently testing throughout the year.  The department is also involved in checking scales, scanners and timing devices.  The department has an informational brochure that explains their duties and how the protect the consumer.  It covers everything from firewood sale invoices to short weight commodities in a store.  To receive a free copy just call the Bucks County Weights and Measures Department at 1-800-942-2669.

Q.  My family and I went on a vacation with friends of ours to their timeshare.  We thought it was fabulous and were thinking of possibly purchasing our own timeshare.  We know nothing at all about what is involved in owning one for ourselves.  Can you tell us what we should be looking for?  G.I., Dublin

A. There are two basic types of timesharing plans.  In a deeded plan, you buy an ownership interest in a piece of real estate.  In a non-deeded plan, you buy a lease that lets you use the property for a specific amount of time each year for a specific number of years.  With both types, the cost of your unit is related to the season.  For example, a winter week in a warm climate is more than a summer week in the same location.  If you’re looking for a timeshare plan with units in several locations, ask whether the club has enough units to satisfy demand.  Ask if there is a fee cap to the plan’s annual maintenance fees.  These fees must be paid whether you use the unit or not.  These fees are to maintain the timeshare, so if you choose a spot that may have problems with hurricanes, then that fee may go up considerably.  Also take into consideration if you are going to be able to use the timeshare on a regular basis.  You can only bank so many weeks before you start to lose them so make sure you look into that.  As with anything you buy, shop around and compare.  With a timeshare you should compare the rental cost for similar accommodations at the same time and location.  Remember to negotiate.  Be careful when thinking about a timeshare in foreign countries, they generally will not be protected by U.S., Federal or state contract property laws.  If the property is located in Pennsylvania or the contract is signed here, you have a five-day right to cancel the transaction.  If it is not in Pennsylvania, make sure you understand the selling practices in that location.  All promises should be written into the contract.  Take your time to read over all documents.  If you don’t understand something, have them explain it or ask to take the agreement home and have someone who knows about timeshares go over it with you.     

 

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