Other Languages10.20.03 SPOKANE - the Attorney General's Office today issued a warning to Eastern Washington residents to be wary of vacuum cleaner sales people who are using unfair and high-pressure sales tactics on vulnerable elderly citizens.
According to a complaint filed by a Brewster woman, two salesmen sold her a vacuum cleaner for $1,200 plus her own vacuum cleaner. They did not leave her a written agreement and may have gained access to personal information such as her Social Security number.
Attorney General Christine Gregoire said consumers should be wary of high-pressure door-to-door sales and salespeople who are pressuring them to buy a product in their own homes. She also urged consumers not to invite anyone into their homes who they do not know and to thoroughly check out a business before they agree to make a purchase.
The Attorney General's Office reminds consumers of a Federal Trade Commission regulation that gives them the right to a three-business-day "cooling off period" on door-to-door sales of more than $25.
Consumers who want to complain about door-to-door sales or have other consumer issues should contact the AG's Consumer Resource Center at 1-800-551-4636 or visit the Attorney General's Office website at www.atg.wa.gov.
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