In recognition of National Consumer Protection Week (March 6-12, 2016), the Ohio Attorney General’s Office wants to remind you about some of your rights as a consumer.
In Ohio, consumer transactions are primarily regulated by the state’s main consumer protection law, the Consumer Sales Practices Act (CSPA). Whether you are buying a cup of coffee or buying a used car, the CSPA generally protects you from unfair, deceptive, and unconscionable acts and practices in consumer transactions. It prohibits shoddy work, deceptive advertising, and misrepresented products or services.
While the CSPA contains many consumer protections, other Ohio laws give consumers limited cancellation rights when it comes to specific products. For example:
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The Home Solicitation Sales Act gives consumers three days to cancel sales of $25 or more made in their homes or at a location that is not the company’s regular place of business, such as at a bridal fair or a home improvement show.
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The Prepaid Entertainment Contracts Act gives consumers three days to cancel a contract with most health spas (but not tanning salons), dance studios, diet centers, dating agencies, and martial art schools.
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The Hearing Aid Returns Act provides consumers 30 days to return a hearing aid for any reason.
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The Telephone Solicitation Sales Act, which applies to sales initiated over the phone, generally allows consumers to cancel within seven days of the sale or until the consumer signs a written agreement, depending on the type of transaction.
To review more of Ohio’s consumer protection laws,
visit the Ohio Attorney General’s Office website or contact the Ohio Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Section.
In 2015, the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Section initiated 40 lawsuits for various unfair, deceptive, or unconscionable business practices. The section obtained 59 judgments and Assurances of Voluntary Compliance totaling more than $12.4 million in consumer restitution, civil penalties, costs, and other relief.
In addition, the office’s Consumer Protection Section can give presentations to groups of 20 or more people across the state on various consumer issues. Presentations are generally scheduled during business hours (9 a.m. – 5 p.m.).
To schedule a “Know Your Rights” presentation or to report a scam or unfair business practice, contact the Ohio Attorney General’s Office by visiting
www.OhioAttorneyGeneral.gov or call 800-282-0515.