`COOLING OFF' APPLIES ONLY TO SOME SALES

JEFFERSON CITY - Even though consumers can return purchases or cancel contracts in some situations, Missouri Attorney General William L. Webster warned that Missourians could lose money if they are not aware of what type of sales allow a "cooling-off period."

Under state law, during a cooling-off period, some specific products or contracts can be returned or canceled if consumers change their minds, the attorney general's office reported. Timeshares, health spas and products sold door-to-door have cooling-off periods.

The office reported the period for timeshare contracts is five days. For health-spa contracts and door-to-door solicitations, the office said, the period is three days.

"Giving consumers three to five days to think about or cool off from a high-pressured sales pitch allows them to consider their purchases," Webster said. "However, some callers to our consumer fraud hotline have the misconception that almost every purchase has a cooling-off period."

"Purchases such as automobiles, furniture or other merchandise are not included."

But Webster said some businesses may have policies that allow consumers to cancel or return merchandise. It is a good idea to find out the store's policy before signing a contract or buying a product or service, he said.

When a consumer considers purchasing from a door-to-door solicitor or entering into a timeshare or health-spa contract, Webster's office reported, the consumer should be wary of:

High-pressure sales tactics and demands that you "act now" or lose the opportunity.

"Free" gifts that require you to pay shipping and handling charges, redemption fees or gift taxes prior to delivery.

A request for your credit card number for "identification" purposes, or to be "held" until you decide whether to buy.

An unfamiliar name or only a post office box for an address. Some fraudulent businesses may use a post office box as a drop box so you will not know their true locations.

In the case of charitable organizations, you have a right to know if the solicitor is a volunteer, a professional fund-raiser or a telemarketer.

"Get written information about your donation and how much of it will actually go to charity," said Webster. "If the charity is reluctant to provide this information in writing, you should be reluctant to donate."

If your questions aren't answered or if you are simply uninterested, say "No thank you," leave the business or close your door, he said.

Consumers with concerns or complaints about the cooling-off periods should write the attorney general's office at P.O. Box 899, Jefferson City, 65102, or call the toll-free Consumer Hotline at 1-800-392-8222. Persons with speech or hearing disabilities may call 1-800-729-8668.