The holidays are here and so are the scams

Dec 15, 2017 Letters

Dear Editor,
As usual, during any season, prices seem to increase without a reason. Most would say there’s a shortage; that’s why. Likewise, there are many companies that would have some promotion and prize to giveaway.
Because of the tremendous competition, I’ve some serious doubt that some of them actually give away the prizes that they advertise because they are not being monitored.
These things don’t seem to bother us, but during this season, Bristol has a promotion where you receive a prize that is printed inside the cigarette pack, or if you provide two empty Bristol festive packets, you get an instant prize of a lighter. Incidentally, one of the posters advertising the promotion was at a friend’s business place and I had the time to read the ‘fineprints’.
I discovered some technical facts that seem as if there will never be a winner. My first observation is that instant prizes are only available if the redemption is in stock. Will they ever have any? The other is that you win the prize printed in the cigarette packet.
The winner will have to answer a ‘technical’ question before he claims the prize. The promoters didn’t say what kind of technical question you have to answer, so my assumption is that when you are claiming your prize, if you cannot answer the ‘technical’ question, then no prize.
Consumers should be aware when shopping this season for weight, expired and defective items because for me the Bureau of Standards doesn’t seem to be functioning competently. One of my friends was walking recently and she observed many people purchasing bulbs at a store in Water Street. She jumped at the opportunity to purchase some for herself.
Her first problem arose when she asked for the bulb to be tested. The store’s policy is not to test bulbs. Nevertheless, she still makes her purchase and when she tries them at home, the first bulb blows a few seconds after she turns on the switch.
Another one was shaking loosely even before installing and one tube was loose from the housing leaving it worthless. Again, these things might not bother us, but many people are being inconvenienced and robbed.
Happy Holidays
Sahadeo Bates

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