True Or False?
A Quiz For Holiday Shoppers

LINCOLN - The Attorney General's Office receives thousands of inquiries each year from Nebraska consumers asking what may seem like simple questions with obvious answers. However, many consumers have misconceptions about what rights they have in the marketplace. We have designed an informative "True/False Shoppers Quiz" that you might want to take before your next shopping trip.

TRUE OR FALSE? There is a Lemon Law that protects consumers on all big-ticket purchases--including used cars not under warranty.

ANSWER - FALSE:  Nebraska does have a Lemon Law that covers new cars that are under manufacturer's warranty. But there is no universal "Lemon Law" that applies to used cars or any other big-ticket item. Before you buy, find out if the product comes with a warranty--and know exactly what that warranty will cover.

TRUE OR FALSE?  A store must give you a refund if you request one.

ANSWER - FALSE:  Nebraska, like most states, does not have specific laws that regulate refund or return policies. Provided the goods were not misrepresented, each business may set its own return policy. Ask about the return policy before you purchase, and if it isn't written down, ask the clerk to note the policy on your sales slip.

TRUE OR FALSE?  There is a law that allows you to cancel any purchase within three days.

ANSWER - FALSE:  Nebraska's three-day cancellation law applies only to sales made in the home or sales that occur in a location other than the seller's regular place of business. Any time you sign a contract or make a purchase at a business location, the three-day cancellation law does not apply.

TRUE OR FALSE?  No one can take money directly from your bank account without your written authorization.

ANSWER - FALSE:  Merely giving someone your checking account number may result in their making withdrawals from your bank account. A person may use your account number to issue a "demand draft" to your bank, claiming you authorized a withdrawal, and the bank may pay it even though it lacks your signature. You may not be aware that this has happened until you receive your next bank statement.

TRUE OR FALSE?  Giving out your credit card number for identification or other similar purposes is "OK", as long as you don't authorize a charge.

ANSWER - FALSE:  Con artists with access to your credit card number and expiration date may make unauthorized charges against your card. However, using a credit card to place catalog orders, make hotel reservations, or make other types of purchases from familiar, established businesses is normally safe.

For more information about this or any other consumer issue, contact:


Attorney General's Office
Consumer Protection Division
2115 State Capitol Building
Lincoln, NE  68509
(402) 471-2682
Consumer Protection Line:  800-727-6432