The Competition and Consumer Affairs Commission (CCAC) received 492 complaints to the value of $481,370,392 in 2023 and the auto industry accounted for the majority of these.
In a statement yesterday, the CCAC said that eighty-five percent of the complaints were resolved to the value of $305,788,496. The other 15% are ongoing cases.
The value of and number of complaints received represent increases of 84% and 20% respectively in comparison to 2022.
Complaints against the auto industry dominated the categories of complaints followed closely by the electronics and construction industries, the statement said. The auto industry accounted for the highest value of complaints to the tune of $280,399,901.
The highest number of complaints came from Region 4, – 339, followed by Region 3 with 82 and Region 10 with 31.
The statement said that the Commission inspected 1283 businesses in 9 regions, for their compliance with the Consumer Affairs Act, No. 13 of 2011. Businesses are inspected for conformance with the issuing of receipts and warranties, display of current and accurate prices, return policy for both non-defective and defective items, no display of no return/no refund signs, and their obligations under layaway sales.
Non-conforming businesses were provided an excerpt of the Act which deals with the “Duties of The Supplier”, and were advised on the areas they need to remedy.
Awareness sessions were held with schools and communities in 9 of the 10 Administrative Regions.
The Commission reminded consumers to always demand their receipts since it is their main proof of purchase, ensure warranties of no less than six months are provided, and thoroughly examine every contract before affixing a signature.
Aggrieved consumers are encouraged to file their complaints with the Commission via the website ccac.gov.gy or call 219-4410-3. The services of the CCAC are free of charge.
The CCAC is an agency of the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce.
