IN a comprehensive report released by the Competition and Consumer Affairs Commission (CCAC), it has been revealed that the year 2023 saw a significant increase in consumer complaints, totalling 492 and amounting to a staggering $481,370,392. This marks an 84 per cent surge in value and a 20 per cent rise in the number of complaints compared to the previous year.

The CCAC noted that 85 per cent of the complaints were resolved to the value of $305,788,496. The other 15 per cent are ongoing cases.

Complaints against the auto industry dominated the categories of complaints followed closely by the electronics and construction industries. The auto industry accounted for the highest value of complaints to the value of $280,399,901.

The highest number of complaints came from Region Four, – 339, followed by Region Three with 82 and Region 10 with 31.

The Commission noted that it inspected 1,283 businesses in nine regions, for their compliance with the Consumer Affairs Act, NO. 13 of 2011.

“Businesses are inspected for conformance with the issuing of receipts and warranties, display of current and accurate prices, return policy for both non-defective and defective items, no display of no return/no refund signs, and their obligations under layaway sales,” the CCAC stated. “Non-conforming businesses were provided an excerpt of the Act which refers to the “Duties of The Supplier”, and were coached on the areas they need to remedy.”

Further, the commission said awareness sessions were held with schools and communities in nine of the 10 Administrative Regions.

The Commission reminds consumers to always demand their receipts since it is their main proof of purchase, ensure warranties of no less than six months are provided, and thoroughly scrutinise every contract before affixing a signature.

Aggrieved consumers are encouraged to file their complaints with the Commission via the website ccac.gov.gy or call 219-4410-3. The services of the CCAC are free of charge.

The CCAC is an agency of the Ministry of Tourism Industry and Commerce and is mandated to manage and enforce the Competition and Fair-Trading Act, NO. 11 of 2006, and the Consumer Affairs Act, NO. 13 of 2011.