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Consumer Alert – Edmonton-Area Retailer Faces 22 Charges Under the Fair Trading Act

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Edmonton, April 18, 2001 – Alberta Government Services has charged International Stereo Centre Ltd. with 22 counts of committing unfair practices under the Fair Trading Act. In addition, three individual employees of the business face a total of 11 charges for similar violations.

The charges stem from complaints against a number of outlets that allege the company:

• took advantage of consumers’ inability to understand the nature or effect of a purchase contract;
• entered into transactions knowing that consumers could not reasonably afford to pay the full price for the goods; and
• misled or deceived consumers.

In one case, an employee of the company sold an inpatient at the Alberta Hospital a variety of electronics equipment valued at $3,900 over the telephone. The employee subsequently delivered the equipment to the hospital without questioning the consumer’s financial means or ability to understand the contract.

Consumers who have purchased a product from International Stereo Centre Ltd. and have concerns about the sale are advised to contact Government Services’ Consumer Information Centre toll-free at 1-877-427-4088.

All Albertans are advised to be cautious and ensure they fully understand the nature and terms of their purchases or credit contracts. Consumers should check out the business’ refund or return policy and obtain in writing any promises that come with the purchase, such as the ability to use the item for a trial period.

Consumers have the right under the Fair Trading Act to fair treatment before, during and after any transaction with a business for a product or service. Examples of fair treatment include: representing all aspects and conditions of a product honestly and accurately, charging a fair price and refraining from subjecting a consumer to undue pressure to buy. Further information on Albertans’ consumer rights and remedies under the Fair Trading Act are outlined in Government Services’ tipsheets, available at www.gov.ab.ca/gs.

The Fair Trading Act’s penalty provisions include fines of up to $100,000 or up to three times the amount obtained by the offence and/or up to two years in prison upon conviction.

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Shannon Larkins - Alberta Government Services - (780) 415-6051