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Mass Consumer Affairs Blog
The Official Blog of the Massachusetts Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation
Today marks the beginning of 23rd annual National Consumer Protection Week, a weeklong celebration of understanding consumer rights and making well-informed decisions about money championed by the Federal Trade Commissions’ (FTC). Educating consumers about fraud threats and other protection issues has become vital in recent …Continue Reading National Consumer Protection Week 2020
Consumers deserve to feel confident that the price they see advertised in stores is the price they’re going to pay. That’s why the state’s Division of Standards (DOS) annually inspects retail stores to make sure their pricing is accurate. While overall inspectors find accurate pricing, …Continue Reading What You See is What You Get: Shopping Price Accuracy
In her novel Confessions of a Shopaholic, author Sophie Kinsella writes about shopping “you can always find something you want.” And as many consumers can attest, she’s right. In fact, the average consumer in the United States spends almost $2,000 a year on clothes and …Continue Reading Layaway? Not exactly
A 2017 report conducted by investing app Acorns found that 68% of the 3,010 respondents said they’d rather tell their partner their weight than the amount of money in their savings account. But when talking about finances, it’s important to have regular talks about money, …Continue Reading What’s your financial compatibility?
Most consumers have heard of the term “bait and switch,” but may not be aware when it happens to them. A sales representative may try to convince you to buy a different item than the one you came for, which may simply seem like a …Continue Reading Holiday Shopping Series: Bait and Switch
Holiday-induced debt can be a problem for many Americans looking for the newest cell phone, electronic device, or the hottest new kid’s toy. Many companies plan major product releases during this shopping season and are unyielding with their advertising. According to new data from …Continue Reading Santa baby: The yacht, duplex and checks really add up!
Despite your best intentions, some gifts you buy this holiday season may need to be returned or exchanged. In fact, the National Retail Federation released a survey that showed almost two-thirds of people said they made at least one return during last year’s holiday season. …Continue Reading Holiday Shopping Series: Return Policies
Gift certificates are a popular option for many gift-givers during the holiday season. From nail salons, to restaurants, to grocery stores, gift certificates can be used just about anywhere. The National Retail Federation said gift cards are the most popular item on consumers’ …Continue Reading Holiday Shopping Tips: Gift Certificates
The United States Postal Service estimates it will deliver around 900 million packages this holiday season. Package thefts rise during the holiday season, and some thieves will even follow delivery trucks to scoop up packages as soon as they are delivered. So far this …Continue Reading Holiday Shopping Series: Package Theft
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2020