 Forward
to an associate
 Print Issues
 Back
to Headlines
|
Consumer Issues 2008 Archive
Launch of the new, improved Scamwatch
The Ministry of Consumer Affairs launched the new, improved Scamwatch as part of Fraud Awareness Week 2008 initiatives.
... more
|
Australasian Consumer Fraud Taskforce 2008 survey
This year the Australasian Consumer Fraud Taskforce (ACFT) is again running a survey to find out about any scams that consumers have received and how they have responded to them.
... more
|
Consumer Affairs newsletter
The latest edition of the Ministry of Consumer Affairs’ newsletter is available online now.
... more
|
A true sales bargain?
Summer’s beginning to draw to a close and it’s around this time of the year that shops are making room on their shelves for their new winter stock by selling any left over summer items in an end of season sale.
... more
|
Used cars up for sale to display a Consumer Information Notice
Hunting for the right used car can sometimes be a bit daunting, but consumers will soon see a revamped information notice showing details of the vehicle for sale to help them make an informed choice about whether it’s the right vehicle for them.
... more
|
Stay safe socialising online
Facebook, Bebo, Friendster, MySpace....many of us now use these social networking websites. And even if you haven’t got hooked into one of these sites yet, your kids probably have.
... more
|
Ditch the direct mail?
Unsolicited advertising material, more commonly referred to as circulars or junk mail, are the flyers, brochures and special offers that appear in our letterboxes.
... more
|
You have the power to switch and save
Have you ever glanced at the spinny thing on your electricity meter when you’ve got both the washing machine on, and an electric heater or two warming up your home? Phew, it looks like it’s rotating faster than a ballerina after a few too many lattes.
... more
|
Stay safe from computer nasties with NetBasics
How net-savvy are you? Find out on the NetBasics website!
... more
|
'Low fire danger' doesn’t mean no fire danger
Give thought this winter to the type of pyjamas and nightwear you dress your children in.
... more
|
Are you pumping the perfect petrol?
Aside from the cost, you probably don’t give a second thought to the fuel you pump into your car. Petrol is petrol, right?
... more
|
Beware of ‘free’ holiday vouchers
This time of year we are all dreaming of far-away beaches and warmer climes and many of us will be looking for a mid-winter break. So now’s a good time for a reminder to be on your guard if you get a phone call from a telemarketer selling vouchers for free or discounted holidays, hotels and flights. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
... more
|
Did you stay safe during NZ safety week?
Our home is a place that we like to think of as safe. But did you know that one in seven Kiwis were injured in their homes last year? That’s more than on the road and on the sports field.
... more
|
Avoid rotten deals in the marketplace
Have you ever bought something from the supermarket only to get home and realise it’s past its expiry date? Is it still ok to eat? And can a shop sell items that are out of date?
... more
|
Don’t be stung by inheritance scams
You receive an email or letter offering you the key to a large amount of 'locked' money. But to unlock the money, you must send money upfront, for legal, administration or processing fees. And guess what? You’ll never see that money again.
... more
|
Dealing with a mobile mess
Have you ever been asked to pay a bond before a retailer will agree to even look at your faulty mobile phone? Are they allowed to do this? And what are your rights if your mobile phone is faulty?
... more
|
Watch out for noisy toys this Christmas
Have you done all of your Christmas shopping yet? If not, and you're starting to feel the pressure, then the Ministry of Consumer Affairs has some advice on buying toys for children.
... more
|
Top tips for privacy
Protecting your personal information limits the chances of your information falling into the wrong hands.
... more
|
Christmas gift buying guide
Christmas is on the horizon...so check out the Ministry of Consumer Affairs Christmas gift buying guide to untangle all the factors you need to think about before you hit the shops.
... more
|
|
