-at CCAC

-by Nakasia Logan

The auto industry has emerged as the leading source of consumer complaints received by the Competition and Consumer Affairs Commission, (CCAC) for the first half of this year. Investigator in the Consumer Affairs Unit, Keelunn Booker, says the Commission has received more than 50 complaints linked to the sector. 

In an exclusive interview with NCN News, Booker said the auto industry, followed by the construction industry and the electronics sector, continues to generate the highest number of consumer reports.

“In the year so far, we’ve received about 55 complaints. And that has a total of $126,405,626 worth of complaints. You have complaints ranging from persons purchasing brand new vehicles.We have complaints from persons buying vehicles from the US right here, foreign used vehicles that are defective. We have consumers complaining about buying parts for vehicles, foreign used parts that are defective. So it’s a whole host of complaints that we’re receiving,” he explained.

He adds, however, that they have been working to address the matter with a number of cases already being resolved with a 73% per cent clear-up rate, but acknowledged that there is still a lot more to be done. 

Booker is urging consumers to conduct proper checks before purchasing vehicles or vehicle parts and to ensure they deal with reputable businesses. Meanwhile, the construction industry ranks second on the list of complaints.

“We’ve received a lot of complaints with regard to contractors doing substandard work. Contractors receiving a lot of money or receiving more money than the work that they actually put out. And that is a major issue.We will often trust that consumers, you know, do their due diligence. They ensure that they have a contract before getting involved. Know what you’re getting involved with. You see a contract is important because it sets out the parameters of what is to be done,” he said.

“The CCAC has received some 32 complaints under the construction sector, totaling more than $56 million. Consumers have reported issues ranging from substandard workmanship to contractors receiving payments that do not correspond with the level of work completed,” he further added.

To reduce disputes, Booker is encouraging persons undertaking construction projects to always have written contracts in place. The CCAC says it will continue its public education campaign to ensure consumers are aware of their rights and responsibilities when engaging businesses and service providers.