CUYAHOGA COUNTY RELEASES THE RESULTS FROM CONSUMER AFFAIRS BACK TO SCHOOL BLITZ

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1 EDWARD FITZGERALD Cuyahoga County Executive FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Media contact(s): Jeane Holley: (216) or CUYAHOGA COUNTY RELEASES THE RESULTS FROM CONSUMER AFFAIRS BACK TO SCHOOL BLITZ CLEVELAND According to the Huntington Bank s Index, the cost of school supplies increasing by 7.3 percent. Recognizing this issue, the Department of Consumer Affairs is ensuring Cuyahoga County consumers are getting the back to school deals that they are promised. During the week of August 5th, 2013, inspectors from the Weights and Measures Division completed unannounced audits of drug, discount, office supplies and department stores that were advertising back to school products to verify that the prices advertised were accurate. In all, 138 stores throughout Cuyahoga County were audited, excluding the City of Cleveland, which has their own Office of Consumer Affairs. Out of the 138 stores inspected, 118 stores passed the audits. CVS Pharmacy 23 stores inspected (21 Passed) (2 Failed) Dollar General 8 stores inspected (7 Passed) (1 Failed) Drug Mart 8 stores inspected (100%) Family Dollar 7 stores inspected (100%) JC Penney s 4 stores inspected (100%) Kmart 5 stores inspected (100%) Kohl s 4 stores inspected (100%) Macy s 3 stores inspected (2 Passed) (1 Failed) Marc s 16 stores inspected (10 Passed) (6 Failed) Office Max 9 stores inspected (5 Passed) (4 Failed) Rite Aid 12 stores inspected (100%) Sears 3 stores inspected (100%) Staples 3 stores inspected (100%) Target 6 stores inspected (5 Passed) (1 Failed) Walgreen s 20 stores inspected (15 Passed) (5 Failed) Wal Mart 7 stores inspected (100%) Overall, the stores inspected had a near perfect 99 percent compliance rating, after inspectors looked at 3,450 individual products.

2 Educating and protecting residents at every age and every stage of life is vital to the Department, said Cynthia Sich, Director of Consumer Affairs. Consumers can access information through our web site to help make informed decisions. As the Department grows so will the information we provide, explained Sich. In addition, the Cuyahoga County Department of Consumer Affairs has launched a website for residents to learn about their rights as consumers. The website promotes free resources to help consumers steer clear of frauds and scams, understand credit, and file complaints online. The website also features consumer protection videos. Please visit the website at: US/ConsumerAffairs.aspx Ontario Street Cleveland, Ohio (216) FAX (216) Ohio Relay Service 711

3 Back-to-School Blitz Store Ratings (138 Total) Product Pricing 33 asasa (3450 sasa Total) 20 Passed Correct Failed Incorrect

EDWARD FITZGERALD Cuyahoga County Executive Department of Consumer Affairs Shopping Tips for Back-To-School It is that time again, when newspapers, television, social media, phone apps, stores, and

4 EDWARD FITZGERALD Cuyahoga County Executive Department of Consumer Affairs Shopping Tips for Back-To-School It is that time again, when newspapers, television, social media, phone apps, stores, and the Internet begin to tell us of back-to-school specials. To help consumers prepare for and get the most out of their money, the Cuyahoga County Department of Consumer Affairs offers the following tips on shopping and safety. Before you start determine what supplies, electronics, clothes, and college dorm essentials you have on hand. Take an afternoon with the kids and make a list of needs not wants. Stay organized by creating a space where school material is kept. Hang up a calendar where you can track events or deadlines as the first day of school approaches, and gather papers such as immunization records or proof of medical exams, call the school or visit the school s website to find out what paperwork will be required. SHOPPING TIPS Create a budget and work from a list of needed items, start looking for bargains through newspaper or store ads, social media, phone apps or Internet. Look at discount, office supply, drug, clothing, consignment, thrift or secondhand stores. To get the best price compare store flyers and on-line prices. Do not overspend on technology. Know what it will be used for, that it is functional, durable, and type of warranties provided. If you are heading away for college, get the details on how your dorm room is furnished and communicate with roommates about what items they will be bringing so that you can share the costs of extra furniture, appliances and electronics. Know return or cancellation policies before you buy and KEEP your receipt. Many times to return an electronic item you may have to pay a restocking fee. Consider using layaway plans which allow you to make periodic cash payments toward the total amount while the merchant holds the goods. The store can charge a small layaway fee, but that fee may be much less than interest charged by your credit card company but know the TERMS and CONDITIONS. What happens if you miss a payment or decide against the purchase? When shopping on-line use a credit card for added protection if something goes wrong. Federal law allows consumers to dispute unauthorized or incorrect credit card charges within 60 days after the first bill containing the error was mailed. If purchasing an item because of the rebate, make sure to follow the directions closely and complete all the requirements in the specific timeframe. Keep a copy for your records and if you do not receive your rebate, contact our department. Back-to-school shopping is a great opportunity for the family to involve everyone about budgeting, finding good deals, and understanding the difference between wants and needs. Younger kids can help cut coupons; older kids can compare costs and tally them up. Page 1 of 2

5 SAFETY REMINDERS For children who walk to school, ensure they travel a safe route and walk with family members, friends or trusted neighbors. If riding a bike, make sure a bike helmet is worn at all times. Take time to walk the path with your kids prior to the first day of school. Learn about the Internet. The more you know about how the Web works, the better prepared you are to teach your children about potential risks. Visit Let them know they can talk to you if anything they see online makes them uncomfortable, whether it s an explicit website or a classmate bullying them or someone else through , chat, or websites. AVOID SCAMMERS who will call, text or pretending to be associated with a school, a government agency or other educational organization claiming you or your child have won a scholarship or approved for a low interest loan. You will be required to pay a minimal processing fee and provide personal identifiable information. The problem is once you give out your credit or bank account information, prepaid card number, wire or overnight the money, you will find out you have been scammed. There is no scholarship money or low interest loan. Other scams claim you have won gift cards or other such promotions from department or discount stores, your phone provided for being a good customer. They require you to pay fee up front or click on links provided. Fraudsters are attempting to collect your money and identity. NEVER RESPOND to unsolicited telephone calls, or text messages claiming you have won a prize. It is most likely a scam out to take your money and identity. Contact the Department of Consumer Affairs for assistance in identifying scams. DRIVING TIPS Slow down and obey all traffic laws and speed limits in school zones and neighborhoods. Comply with local school drop-off and pick-up procedures for safety of all children accessing the school. Stay alert; watch out for kids walking and on bikes. Look behind before backing out of your driveway. NEVER pass a school bus on the right. This is where children get on and off the bus! Give yourself more time to get to where you are going in anticipation of stopping for a school bus when overhead yellow lights are flashing.. Page 2 of Ontario Street Cleveland, Ohio (216) FAX (216) Ohio Relay Service 711

Decisions, decisions. With so many choices available to us, how can we be sure we're making the right decision?

Decisions, decisions. With so many choices available to us, how can we be sure we're making the right decision? LESSON PLAN Consumer Awareness Combine decision-making methods with comparative shopping techniques, recognize common consumer scams, and provide the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively handle