Cape May County - Consumer Affairs/Weights and Measures

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DEPARTMENT OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS WEIGHTS AND MEASURES

Freeholder Vice-Director Leonard C. Desiderio
  John G. Rechner, Director
  Tel. 609-886-2903
   Fax 609-886-2906

CONSUMER AFFAIRS’ MANDATE IS TO PROTECT THE CITIZENS OF CAPE MAY COUNTY AND THOSE VISITORS TO THE COUNTY FROM ILLEGAL AND UNSCRUPULOUS MERCHANTS.

THIS OFFICE ALSO KNOWS THAT 95% OF THE MERCHANTS OF CAPE MAY COUNTY ARE REPUTABLE, HONEST PEOPLE WHO CARE ABOUT THEIR CUSTOMERS AND GUESTS. THEY WORK HARD AT PROVIDING THEIR GUESTS AND CUSTOMERS WITH GOOD PRODUCTS AND FIRST CLASS ACCOMMODATIONS.

THE CAPE MAY COUNTY OFFICE OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS WILL INVESTIGATE ALL COMPLAINTS RECEIVED BY THIS OFFICE TO THE FULLEST EXTENT OF THE LAW.

THE CAPE MAY COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS, IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE STATE DIVISION OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS WILL SEEK OUT, IDENTIFY AND PROSECUTE THOSE PERSONS AND MERCHANTS IN ADDITION TO THOSE ESTABLISHMENTS WHO DEFRAUD THE PUBLIC FOR PRIVATE GAIN.

John G. Rechner Director	609-886-2905	jrechner@co.cape-may.nj.us
Dolores Rambo Investigator	609-886-2903 609-886-2904	drambo@co.cape-may.nj.us
Joseph Dyer Asst. Superintendant Weights & Measures	609-886-2904	jdyer@co.cape-may.nj.us

TAKE ADVANTAGE OF US, SO NO ONE TAKES ADVANTAGE OF YOU.
Tips To Prevent Fraud

Home Improvement Tips

Telemarketing Tips

1. Always obtain 3 written estimates.

2. Get references and check them.

3. Call the Division of Consumer Affairs
     to check for complaints.

4. Get everything in writing-
     start and completion dates,
     the contractor's name,
     street address and phone
     number, an exact description
     of the job, the brand names
     to be used, and the sizes,
     total cost and guarantees.

5. Do not pay in cash.

6. Pay in installments-1/3 up front, 1/3
     when the job is half completed, and 1/3
     on the date the job is completed as
     promised in your contract.

7. Make sure contractor is registered
     with the state and has a number.
   (Example: 13VH00000000)

Home Improvement Registration
www.njconsumeraffairs.com

Cape May County Consumer Affairs
609-886-2903

1. Always be skeptical of unsolicited
     calls.

2. HANG UP if you are being
     pressured or intimidated.

3. Ask the solicitor for his/her
     name, the company's name
     and its location.

4. Do not make any immediate
     decisions. Ask for information
     in writing, and then you can
     make your decision.

5. Do not give out your credit
     card or Social Security
     number.

Cape May County Consumer Affairs
609-886-2903

Savings and Securities

Charities

1. Check the broker's credentials
     with the Bureau of Securities.
     www.njsecurities.gov

2. Never buy stocks, bonds or
     securities from a stranger, or
     if you feel pressured.

3.  Obtain the formal written
     offer.

4.  Report suspected fraud to the
     Bureau of Securities as well
     as to the Branch Manager of
     the securities form.

             NJ Securities Bureau
                 973-504-3600

1. Demand identification from
     the caller/solicitor. Always
     ask for literature.

2.  Make certain the charity is
     registered in New Jersey and
     get the registration number.

3. Check with the Division of
     Consumer Affairs to find out
     how much of the money
     collected goes to the cause.

NJ Div. of Consumer Affairs

973-504-6200

www.njconsumeraffairs.com

Avoid Being A Victim

Never give out personal or financial information.
Never get talked into paying cash.
Never act under pressure.
Never pay for a prize.
Never fail to ask for information and contracts in writing, and to get written guarantees.
Never hesitate to call the Cape May County Office of Consumer Affairs to ask a question, if you are suspicious, or to file a complaint.

Ask Yourself

Do I really need this product, prize or service?
Can I afford to lose any money?
Does this sound too good to be true?

Click Here for a copy of the "Consumer Complaint Form"

Click Here for the "Weights and Measures Complaint/Inspection Form"

HANG UP ON TELEPHONE FRAUD. JUST SAY "NO"

Never Give A Caller:

Credit Card Numbers
Social Security Numbers
Bank Account Numbers
Personal Information

Consumer Affairs Links