KINGSTON, Jamaica (JIS) — The Consumer Affairs Commission (CAC) is encouraging shoppers seeking redress to contact the agency with their receipts.

Speaking with JIS News, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the CAC, Dolsie Allen, said consumers should use their knowledge wisely and be vigilant when conducting any transaction, in the event that they will need to seek compensation.

She added that the agency has seen an increase in consumers seeking redress after all the festivities of the Christmas season.

 “The agency welcomes the redress reports, because they serve as an important determinant of consumer confidence and trust in the market and our role. However, the reimbursement is more difficult or impossible to obtain when there is no receipt,” she pointed out.

Allen noted that without a receipt, there is no proof that the item was purchased from a particular establishment or individual.

“Unfortunately, during the Christmas season, consumers are too busy to collect the receipts, and some merchants are too busy to write receipts. Some merchants also offer further bargains where discounts are given, instead of receipts, which is not the appropriate thing to do,” she advised.

Allen said the commission is ready to represent consumers with issues of refund and the return of items, but she emphasised that consumers need to be cautious and find out the store’s policy prior to making a purchase.

She noted that the CAC is guided by the Consumer Protection Act, and encouraged members of the public to know their rights and to “get familiar with the contents of the law”.