Erroneous card billings

Q. Tricia de los Reyes of Quezon City writes: "Is it fair for credit card companies not to refund erroneous billing only because of a ‘technicality’? My friend experienced a couple of errors in her July and September 2002 credit card billing statements. However, she was able to report these only in early December, after checking her records closely

"Upon complaining, she was told there were indeed errors but her refund had to be forfeited because she reported her claim too late.

"Some credit card companies put an advisory in their billing statements that clients have 15 days within which to complain. But isn’t that unfair since it doesn’t erase the fact that the transactions were, indeed, erroneous? Moreover, this may be against the law on prescription, which is one year in most cases. How can the Department of Trade and Industry protect credit card users and consumers from such unfair practices of credit card companies?"

A. Because of competition, most credit card companies offer their cardholders easy, deferred, and even interest-free payments on their purchases. Credit card companies, though, have different policies on charges and the like.

Credit card companies are under the jurisdiction of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas. Problems on credit card overcharging and/or non-refund and other related complaints can be reported directly to BSP for appropriate action.

DTI advises consumers, especially frequent card users, to monitor their purchases and to check their receipts against their monthly billing. It is also prudent to double-check the applicable interest/charges/fees imposed by these companies on a regular basis.

While it is true that most credit card companies are obsessive about the accuracy and veracity of their statements, errors still occur.

April is International Earth month. But taking care of Mother Nature is our responsibility all year round. Here are some tips on how to care for our environment:

• Minimize the use of chemical bleach and cleansers. Try cleansing agents with non-toxic ingredients such as vinegar, baking soda, and calamansi juice.

• Instead of burning incense, try spreading dried flower potpourri all over your home. After all, smoke is an air pollutant.

• Gas stove and cooking appliance these may release fumes that may be hazardous to your health in an improperly ventilated room.

• Some perfumes contain chemicals. Try scents that are made of natural ingredients or create your own from natural oils instead.

• Dry cleaning and laundry soaps may contain a cleaning agent called "perc". This ingredient is carcinogenic. If you must dry clean your clothes, try fumigating it by hanging it outside before wearing it or storing it in your closet. For your laundry. Use laundry soaps that are environmentally friendly or those without hard ingredients that may pollute our rivers.

• Avoid home décor made of plastic. Wall-to-wall carpeting too is not environmentally friendly. Think natural instead.

• Do not burn your empty cans, bottles, plastics, and other wastes. Dispose of these properly.

(You may send your consumer complaints and comments to the Bureau of Trade Regulation and Consumer Protection, DTI-Domestic Bldg., 361 Sen. Gil Puyat Ave., Makati City. You may also call us at our consumer hotlines 896-5740 or 890-4938. Our e-mail address is www.e-reklamo.net.ph)