Managing Consumer Problems (2:12) Click here to launch video Click here to download print activity

Knowing how to handle consumer problems is an important skill to learn.

consumer advocates malpractice health fraud

Resolving Consumer Problems Take action to correct consumer problems. Knowing how to handle consumer problems is an important skill to learn.

Resolving Consumer Problems When shopping for a product: Find out what the store’s return policy is before you make a purchase. If the product has a warranty, make sure you receive it and understand it. After you open the product, save the packaging, receipt, and warranty. If the product comes with instructions, read and follow them carefully. Assemble and use the product exactly the way it was designed to be assembled and used.

Resolving Consumer Problems Most products have instructions that tell you how to use them correctly.

Resolving Consumer Problems If you are using the product correctly and it isn’t working the way you expected: Read the warranty to learn how the manufacturer requires you to return it. Put the product back in its original packaging, and follow the manufacturer’s return instructions. You may be asked to write a letter describing the problem and requesting a replacement or your money back. Date your letter and keep a copy, along with the shipping receipt.

Resolving Consumer Problems If you are not satisfied with the response to your efforts, ask for help from one of the following organizations: Local, state, and federal government agencies The Better Business Bureau Consumer organizations

Resolving Consumer Problems Consumer organizations are also called consumer advocates. Consumer advocates People or groups whose sole purpose is to take on regional, national, and even international consumer issues

Resolving Consumer Problems Occasionally, health care professionals can be guilty of malpractice. Malpractice Failure by a health professional to meet accepted standards

Resolving Consumer Problems If you experience a serious problem with a health care professional, you can get help from the American Medical Association or a state licensing board.

Health Fraud Protect yourself from health fraud. You have the power and the responsibility to protect your health and well-being!

Health fraud is often called quackery. The sale of worthless products or services that claim to prevent disease or cure other health problems

Health Fraud You can consult a registered pharmacist if you have questions about a product’s health claims.

Look out for claims like the following: Health Fraud Look out for claims like the following: Secret Formula! Miracle Cure! Overnight Results! Offer Expires Soon! All Natural!

To protect yourself from health fraud, you can: Check out the claim with a doctor or other health professional Talk to family and friends to get their opinion. Check with the Better Business Bureau to see if there have been complaints about the product or service. Check with a professional health organization about a claim.

After You Read Reviewing Facts and Vocabulary How do consumer advocates help you to be a better health consumer? Consumer advocates test products for safety and keep an eye out for health fraud.

After You Read Reviewing Facts and Vocabulary What is malpractice? Malpractice is the failure of a health professional to meet accepted standards.

After You Read Reviewing Facts and Vocabulary Define health fraud. Health fraud is the sale of worthless products or services that claim to prevent disease or cure other health problems.