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International Stereo Charged With Unfair Business Practices

August 10, 2004

Edmonton...International Stereo Centre Ltd. faces 17 charges under the province's Fair Trading Act for unfair business practices in its dealings with Alberta consumers.

The charges fall under nine sections of the Fair Trading Act, including unreasonably deceiving or misleading a consumer, stating a transaction involves rights or remedies that are different from the fact and entering into contracts when the seller knew or ought to have known the consumer was not reasonably able to pay for the goods.

The Alberta government laid the charges after investigating allegations the company had entered into transactions with consumers who could not reasonably afford to pay the full price for the goods offered. This resulted in an expanded investigation into other areas of alleged misconduct. Since 2003, the government has received 49 consumer complaints involving the company from across Alberta and other areas.

International Stereo's first provincial court appearance is scheduled for September 29, 2004 in Edmonton.

Consumers who have purchased a product from International Stereo and have concerns about the sale are advised to contact Government Services' Consumer Information Centre toll-free at 1-877-427-4088.

Consumers have the right under the Fair Trading Act to fair treatment before, during and after any transaction with a business for a product or service. Information on Albertans' consumer rights and remedies under the Fair Trading Act are outlined in Government Services' tipsheets, available at www.gov.ab.ca/gs.

The Fair Trading Act's penalty provisions include fines of up to $100,000 or up to three times the amount obtained by the offence and/or up to two years in prison upon conviction.

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Terry Cunha
Communications
Alberta Government Services
(780) 415-6051