BC’s consumer protection laws provide the framework to help the BPCPA protect consumers. Through our website and toll-free inquiry line, the BPCPA provides BC’s public with information about their rights and responsibilities as consumers and businesses.

From January 1 through December 31, 2007, the Inquiry Centre handled 14,305 inquiries by phone, mail, fax and email.  During that time, the BPCPA received the most inquiries in the following top five areas:

1. Debt Collection Industry;
2. Retail Sales;
3. Travel Industry;
4. Automobile sales; and
5. Telecommunications and Internet Service Providers.

The total break-down of inquiries is as follows:
(Please note that percentages are rounded up to the nearest number)

*     This category includes inquiries about credit, financing and credit reporting.
**   This category includes inquiries about cell phones, Internet Service Providers, telecommunications and long distance service.
***  This category includes inquiries about future performance, fitness, weight loss, travel club, self-defense, direct and distance sales contracts.
**** This category captures inquiries related to over 80 other topics including telemarketing, professional services, utilities/fuel, insurance, general
automotive issues, lotteries, and payday loans.