CPA received over 650 reports in 4Q of 2011 RIYADH – The Consumer Protection Association (CPA) said that it received over 650 reports in the fourth quarter of 2011, which included a number of complaints about rising prices and tampering with prices. The public also made enquiries about the CPA and its role in society and suggested the authorities introduce consumer legislation, particularly on replacing and returning products. Waleed Khaled Al-Redhayan, supervisor of the CPA's department in charge of receiving reports and complaints, said the CPA received a large number of complaints from consumers about commercial fraud and high prices. In most cases, the callers preferred to remain anonymous and would only reveal details of when and where violations took place, Al-Redhayan explained. Once the center receives the information, it double-checks its authenticity with the help of CPA follow-up centers such as the Center for Consumer Awareness and the Center for Field Inspection, he pointed out. “Samples are sent to the CPA laboratories, then to the concerned authorities to look into the case and make a decision.” If the concerned authority fails to respond to the complaint, the CPA takes the case to private and public bodies until the consumer is satisfied with the results, he said. If a consumer claims his or her private rights, the CPA will provide guidance through legal procedures, he added. The Center for Reports and Complaints at the Legal Department of the CPA receives complaints, legal requests and enquiries. The numbers are: 01/4563666 or Fax 01/4507677 or on the website http://www.cpa.org.sa.
