Consumer Assistance Program : University of Vermont
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Consumer Hotline:  Toll Free In VT (800)649-2424 or (802) 656-3183

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Phone Scam Alert!

Consumers are receiving fraudulent calls, purporting to be from Merchant's Bank but from a non-functional number, about a problem with their debit cards. Calls from 752-535-72 are scams! If you receive such a call, do not respond or provide any information. Contact us with any questions or to report a call.

National Mortgage Settlement

Mortgage Concerns?
Attorney General William Sorrell recently joined a landmark 49-state settlement with the five largest national mortgage servicers. If your mortgage is serviced by:
  • Bank of America
  • JPMorgan Chase
  • Citibank
  • Wells Fargo, or
  • GMAC/Ally
there may be assistance for you. Find out more on our Settlement Help page.

Vermont State Seal

              Skechers Settlement

The Vermont Attorney General's Office took part in the Skechers Settlement as coordinated by the Federal Trade Commission. 

The settlement suggests that Skechers did not make validated claims in marketing and selling of the rocker-bottom shoe products line.  The claims suggested the product caused consumers to lose weight, burn calories, improve circulation, fight cellulite, and firm, tone or strengthen thigh, buttock, and back muscles. Under the settlement, consumers that purchased Shape-Ups, Tone-Ups, or the Skechers Resistance Runner shoes since August 1, 2008, may be eligible for a refund.  

To apply for a refund, consumers must complete the online form:  www.skecherssettlement.com

Consumers that experience technical difficulties in accessing the form can send an email to skechers@bmcgroupfederal.com to request notification as to when the form will be available.    

Consumer Advisory Regarding Data Breaches

The news has reported a number of instances in which businesses or governmental agencies have announced the unauthorized release of sensitive personal information, such as credit card account or social security numbers. 

Whether or not you suspect your personal information has been compromised, early detection can make a big difference. Keep an eye out for any suspicious activity by routinely monitoring:
  • Your financial statements. Monitor your financial accounts and billing statements regularly, looking closely for charges you did not make.
  • Your credit reports. Credit reports contain information about you, including what accounts you have and how you pay your bills. The law requires each of the major nationwide consumer reporting agencies to provide you with a free copy of your credit report, at your request, once every 12 months.
To order your free annual report from one or all the national consumer reporting companies, visit www.annualcreditreport.com, call toll-free 877-322-8228, or complete the Annual Credit Report Request Form and mail it to: Annual Credit Report Request Service, P.O. Box 105281, Atlanta, GA 30348-5281.
 
BEWARE of any emails warning of a security breach. Scammers will use fake warnings to collect personal information.  DO NOT click on any links contained in unsolicited emails.

What is CAP?

The Office of the Attorney General's Consumer Assistance Program (CAP) helps Vermonters solve disputes with businesses, protect themselves from fraud and access available services. In partnership with UVM, CAP operates a consumer hotline, mediates consumer disputes with businesses, tracks fraud and scam complaints and recovers thousands of dollars yearly for consumers.  

I received a phone call....

Receive a phone call that concerns you? Click here to find out more about collection calls, telemarketing calls, charitable solicitations and telephone scams.  

I got a letter in the mail....

Unexpected check in the mail?  Want to stop collection notices?  Click here to find out more about solicitations, scams and other problems in the mail.

I'm having trouble with a business....

Trouble with a product or service? Paid someone to work on your home and now they won't show up?  Click here to find out more about your rights as a Vermont consumer.

  • Consumer Assistance Program, 146 University Place, Burlington, VT 05405
  • Email: consumer@uvm.edu
  • Toll Free in Vermont: (800)649-2424
  • Outside of Vermont: (802)656-3183
  • FAX: (802)656-1423

Last modified May 21 2012 11:17 AM

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