Correct Success: Reminder: Businesses can’t charge extra for credit card use

Following a latest improve in complaints, William Tong, the state’s legal professional normal, and Michelle H. Seagull, Connecticut Division of Shopper Safety commissioner, are reminding customers that Connecticut regulation prohibits companies from charging prospects a surcharge for utilizing a bank card.

The regulation does permit a enterprise to supply a reduction if a buyer chooses to make use of one sort of cost (money, for instance) over one other sort of cost (bank card). Receiving the low cost shouldn’t be the identical as including a surcharge. So long as the ultimate receipt reveals a reduction, it complies with Connecticut regulation.

“It’s essential to be careful for these illegal prices and keep away from paying them earlier than it’s too late,” Seagull mentioned.

A enterprise can’t record the discounted value for utilizing a most popular cost technique in an commercial (e.g. menu or value sticker) after which add a payment in the course of the sale if one other cost sort is used. For instance, a menu can’t record the “money value” for an merchandise, however then cost you a payment for those who pay by bank card. If the listed value doesn’t match the value in your receipt, you need to remind the enterprise {that a} surcharge can’t be charged based mostly in your sort of cost and search a refund of the payment.

Methods to guard your self from illegal surcharges:

* Be careful for “transaction charges,” “processing charges,” or “comfort charges.”

* Verify the register, the menu or your invoice for an indication or fantastic print stating {that a} surcharge can be added if you don’t pay with a most popular cost technique.

* Ask the cashier, server, or different worker whether or not a surcharge can be charged for those who pay with a bank card earlier than you hand your card over.

Should you imagine a enterprise is unlawfully issuing a surcharge for utilizing a bank card, contact the Workplace of the Lawyer Normal at 860-808-5000 or legal professional.normal@ct.gov, or contact the Division of Shopper Safety at dcp.complaints@ct.gov.

– Employees studies

STIMULUS CASH SCAMS

The Federal Commerce Fee is warning us to be looking out for stimulus-related emails that supposedly are being despatched by Joseph Simons, the FTC chairman who introduced Tuesday that he plans to resign efficient Friday.

Through the previous yr, about 324,000 studies referring to COVID-19 and stimulus-related scams and ripoffs have been made to the FTC by means of Jan. 18.

The newest coronavirus aid rip-off entails emails which are designed to appear like they’re coming from an official authorities company, and Simons particularly. Joe Simmons isn’t emailing you; it’s a rip-off.

The e-mail features a “certificates of approval” on your stimulus money. The rip-off calls for that you just pay taxes upfront to obtain the cash.

The FTC famous that generally the rip-off entails a follow-up however pretend letter from the Inner Income Service to make the deal appear that rather more reputable.

One crimson flag: The Financial Influence Funds being despatched by the IRS and the U.S. Treasury Division usually are not taxable. One other crimson flag: You would not have to pay cash upfront by way of present playing cards or the rest to obtain the stimulus money. And yet one more crimson flag: The FTC isn’t concerned in stimulus funds.

– Detroit Free Press