Buyer, Be Wary

Be suspicious. That is the advice dispensed at a recent news conference reporting on the worst consumer rip-offs. The report was released by the Consumer Federation of America with the National Assn. of Consumer Agency Administrators.

Along with the traditional leaders in consumer complaints--including new and used car sales, car repair and mail order frauds--the groups reported a rise in complaints against home repair companies and telemarketers pushing sweepstakes and other contests.

While urging tighter regulations (including used car warranties and auto leasing disclosures) and more resources to enforce existing laws, the two groups also emphasized preventive measures for consumers:

* Don’t buy from telemarketers unless you’ve checked them out. Make phone purchases only when you initiate the call.

* To cut down on solicitations from telemarketers and junk mailers, don’t accept their offers of “free prizes,” which are rarely free, and don’t enter their contests, which you are highly unlikely to win.

* Patronize only auto, home and appliance repair firms that are recommended by family or friends.

* Be cautious when asked to pay in advance for goods and services. When possible, keep advance payments to minimal amounts. For consumers who become victims of a scam, or stuck with faulty merchandise, the new pamphlet “How to Resolve Your Consumer Complaint” is free by sending a self-addressed, stamped envelope to Consumer Federation of America Complaint Resolution, P.O. Box 12099, Washington, D.C. 20005-0999.