III. Intensive Reading Task

Read and translate the following text. Consult a dictionary if necessary.

CONTROLS ON METHODS OF SELLING GOODS

Many laws today regulate the ways in which merchants can sell their goods. The goal is always the same: to prevent violations of consumer rights. But some laws also provide for means of punishing the fraudulent or unlawful merchant. In two areas in particular, fair disclosure of contract terms and sales by mail, legislative action has created a network of protections for buyers or consumers.

Mail-Order Sales

More and more businesses are offering goods and services through the mail. Federal law protect the consumer from mail fraud.

State statutes may also prohibit mail-order fraud or deceit. Because most mail-order sales involve small amounts, the consumer may find it difficult or impossible to recover losses.

In mail-order sales the consumer has the following rights: to know when shipment of the merchandise can be expected; to have the merchandise shipped within 30 days; to cancel an order when merchandise is not shipped within 30 days; to be notified of delays and to have a free means of replying, such as a postage-free postcards;

to agree to a new shipping date;

to have any payment returned if 30 days elapse and the merchandise is not shipped.

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Where a person receives free samples or items mailed by charitable organizations seeking contributions, the recipient can, as he or she wishes, regard the merchandise as a gift.

Control of Methods of Payment

Protective laws regulate the methods by which payments may be made or demanded by a creditor on a consumer sale. Some state laws provide that if a creditor accepts payment in a form other than cash or check, the creditor takes a chance. State laws may also provide that installment payments have to be applied to the oldest unpaid portions of a debt. The payment sent by a debtor who is three months delinquent on an open credit account must go towards payment of the oldest monthly charge.

Both federal and state laws regulate accelerated and “balloon” final payments. At one time unscrupulous creditors or lenders could make the last payment in a monthly series larger than the debtor could pay. The lender could then repossess the merchandise when the debtor defaulted. Most laws now specify that if the final payment is doubled the overage of the earlier scheduled payments, the debtor has the right to refinance the final payment on terms similar to those of the original transaction.

Other Financial Areas

In many other money areas the laws protect the consumer without prejudicing the rights of the businessperson. Credit cards, for example, the symbols of so-called “cashless society”, can no longer be issued to persons who have not applied for them. Also, in case of loss of a credit card, the owner cannot be held liable for more than $50 for purchases made illegally by the finder. But such purchases must have been made before the owner has notified the company issuing the card. If they are made after that time, the cardholder cannot be held liable at all.

Wages and salaries make up another sensitive area. In general, the law provide that the right to earn a living and support one’s family takes precedence over any right to garnish or attach a person’s earnings.