FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 (KINGSTON, Jamaica: May 4, 2018):

CAC recovered $24.72-M on behalf of consumers

The Consumer Affairs Commission (CAC) secured over $24.72-million in refunds and compensation on behalf of aggrieved consumers during the 2017/18 Financial Year. The sum was recovered during the Commission’s resolution of 1,454 cases of the 1,704 handled during the period which translates to a resolution rate of 85.32%.

The top three complaint categories identified were: Electrical Equipment & Appliances with 32.67%, followed by Other Services which amounted to 14.87% and Utilities with 13.97%.  It is important to note that these results closely pattern what has been evidenced over the last few years, with occasional changes of these categories.

As it relates to the top three categories which yielded the most monetary compensation, these were: Automotive $11.7-million; Electrical Equipment & Appliances $3.9-million and Other Services $3.7-million.

The Commission also handled 730 requests for advice and information which represent an increase of 39% over the previous period when 525 requests were facilitated. 

Mrs. Dolsie Allen, Chief Executive Officer at the CAC, is encouraging consumers to be vigilant when purchasing goods and services in the marketplace. “Our database has consistently shown that the Electrical Equipment and Appliances category continues to top the list as the area that consumers complain the most about. Meanwhile, the Automotive category has the largest refunds and compensation secured on behalf of consumers. I am therefore urging consumers to do their due diligence by ensuring that items purchased are in good working order before they leave the store and if this is not possible, as soon as a fault has been detected, report it to the vendor.”  

She advised consumers that, “When purchasing expensive items like automobiles, it is imperative that a certified mechanic examines the vehicle.” Mrs. Allen also noted that, “Above all else, consumers must demand their receipt and warranty.” 

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Contact:                                                                                                                                                                                       

The Communications Unit
Consumer Affairs Commission
34 Trafalgar Road, Kingston 10
Tel: 906-5425/906-8568
Mobile: 564-8942 or 564-8902
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