North Dakota Consumer Protection

Consumer Protection and Antitrust Division (CPAT) helps the North Dakota consumer in preventing through education or mediating complaints about fraud or misleading and deceptive practices. If you have a consumer problem or question, call the Consumer Protection Division at 328-3404, 800-366-6888 (TYY), or toll free at 1-800-472-2600.

This article lists some of the most frequent questions asked of CPAT. They show the most common forms of fraud against North Dakota residents or the trouble North Dakota residents get into because they don't understand the law and their rights. If you have a question call them. The best protection against fraud or a bad purchase is knowledge. Get it before you act, not after.

Questions on vehicle purchase range from the lemon law to being able to return the car. There is no three-day right to cancel when purchasing a vehicle. That right applies only to purchases made other than at a normal place of business, usually in your home when you buy from a door-to-door salesman. The news isn't any better for used car purchases where the car dies the next day. The Lemon Law applies only to new cars. When you buy a used car from a dealer or an individual you buy the car "as is" unless you purchase, or there is, a warranty. When buying a used car, be sure to get all warranties and promises of repair in writing. If you are thinking of buying a used car get the brochure offered by CPAT. It has great tips in how to avoid getting ripped off.

If you see charges listed on your telephone bill for telephone services you did not request and do not want, you may have been a victim of slamming/cramming. Slamming is when a carrier you did not authorize charges you for long distance calls. Cramming is when you are billed for telephone services you did not request. If you believe either of these has happened to you, you should contact the Public Service Commission. They handle this type of fraud.

We have all seen those little ads in the newspaper or magazines that say you can make money at home by stuffing envelopes, sometimes up to $2 for each envelope. There is always the catch however that you must send money to get started. Don't do it. You will not make money by investing in these "opportunities".

And now on the to the lottery scam. The mail says you won a $100,000 in some lottery you don't even remember playing. Of course they want you to send money to cover taxes or some other fee. You didn't win, but they will if you send them any money. There is an increasing number of lottery solicitations being mailed to North Dakotans from foreign countries. Remember, if you send money to these companies, you will never see it again, or your "winnings".

Continuing our trip through scam land we head to where the scam artists get their information. It is all too often from you. You get a call from "your credit card company" and are asked to verify your account number. The call did not come from your credit card company. They have your account number. It came from someone who is now heading to the nearest computer to order that stereo he always wanted, in your name and with your money. That is if you are lucky. Otherwise he is compiling a list to sell to other scam artists.

If you are having problems with your landlord call CPAT. They have a brochure entitled "Tenant rights in North Dakota". This brochure also provides contact information if you think your landlord has violated the Federal Fair Housing Act.

Remember, education is your best protection against fraud and scam artists. Ask for and read the information paid for by your tax dollars and protect yourself.