Managing Consumer
Problems (2:12)
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Knowing how to handle consumer
problems is an important skill to
learn.

consumer advocates
malpractice
health fraud

Resolving Consumer Problems
Take action to correct consumer problems.
Knowing how to handle consumer problems is
an important skill to learn.

Resolving Consumer Problems
When shopping for a product:
Find out what the store’s return policy is before you make
a purchase.
If the product has a warranty, make sure you receive it and
understand it.
After you open the product, save the packaging, receipt,
and warranty.
If the product comes with instructions, read and follow
them carefully.
Assemble and use the product exactly the way it was
designed to be assembled and used.

Resolving Consumer Problems
Most products have
instructions that tell you
how to use them correctly.

Resolving Consumer Problems
If you are using the product correctly and it isn’t working
the way you expected:
Read the warranty to learn how the manufacturer requires you to return it.
Put the product back in its original packaging, and follow the
manufacturer’s return instructions.
You may be asked to write a letter describing the problem and requesting
a replacement or your money back.
Date your letter and keep a copy, along with the shipping receipt.

Resolving Consumer Problems
If you are not satisfied with the response to your
efforts, ask for help from one of the following
organizations:
The Better
Business Bureau
Local, state, and
federal government
agencies
Consumer
organizations

Resolving Consumer Problems
Consumer organizations are also called
consumer advocates.
Consumer advocates
People or groups whose sole purpose
is to take on regional, national, and
even international consumer issues

Resolving Consumer Problems
Occasionally, health care professionals can be
guilty of malpractice.
Malpractice
Failure by a health professional to meet
accepted standards

Resolving Consumer Problems
If you experience a serious problem with a health
care professional, you can get help from the
American Medical Association or a state licensing
board.

Health Fraud
Protect yourself from health fraud.
You have the power and the responsibility to
protect your health and well-being!

Health Fraud
Health fraud is often called quackery.
Health fraud
The sale of worthless products or
services that claim to prevent disease
or cure other health problems

Health Fraud
You can consult a
registered pharmacist
if you have questions
about a product’s
health claims.

Health Fraud
Look out for claims like the following:
Secret
Formula!
Miracle
Cure!
Overnight
Results!
All
Natural!
Offer
Expires
Soon!

Health Fraud
To protect yourself from health fraud, you can:
Check out the claim with a doctor or other health
professional
Talk to family and friends to get their opinion.
Check with the Better Business Bureau to see if there
have been complaints about the product or service.
Check with a professional health organization about a
claim.

After You Read
Reviewing Facts and Vocabulary
1. How do consumer advocates help you to
be a better health consumer?
Consumer advocates test products for safety
and keep an eye out for health fraud.

After You Read
Reviewing Facts and Vocabulary
2. What is malpractice?
Malpractice is the failure of a health
professional to meet accepted standards.

After You Read
Reviewing Facts and Vocabulary
3. Define health fraud.
Health fraud is the sale of worthless products
or services that claim to prevent disease or
cure other health problems.