Consumer Law Essentials

Consumer Law Guide

Cover of the Consumer Law Guide

Scams to Avoid

Cover of Scams to Avoid

This booklet is for newcomers and British Columbians who want to know about the laws that protect you:

• when you buy items,
• when you hire someone to provide a service, such as home repairs,
• when someone owes you money, and
• when you owe someone money.

This booklet gives you information about what you can do if you experience consumer problems.

Content

• Glossary

• Problems with a Purchase
  • How do I start a complaint? · Steps to make a complaint

• Problems with Home Repairs
  • What should I put in a written contract?  · Tips about hiring a contractor  · Tips about paying for repairs  · Disagreements about the repair work

• Someone Owes You Money
  • How do I write a demand letter? · When do I go to court?  · Getting legal help from a lawyer

• Problems with Debt
  • Where do I start? · What do I put in my budget? · What can the Credit Counseling Society do to help me?  · How do I contact my creditors and what do I say?  · Debt collectors

• Helpful Information and Links for Consumers

About this Guide

• Acknowledgements & credits

• Visit other wikibooks from People's Law School, or learn more about Clicklaw wikibooks

About People's Law School

The People's Law School is a non-profit charitable society whose purpose is to provide British Columbians with reliable information about their rights and responsibilities under the law.

Suite 150 - 900 Howe Street

Vancouver, BC

V6Z 2M4

Tel 604.331.5400

Fax 604.331.5401

Email info@publiclegaled.bc.ca

This booklet and others are available on the People's Law School website.

www.publiclegaled.bc.ca