CONSUMERS CAN BE VICTIMIZED BY A RANGE OF FRAUDULENT PRACTICES FROM THE BUTCHER WHO WEIGHS HIS HAND ALONG WITH THE HAMBURGER TO THE USED CAR SALESMAN WHO PRACTICES BAIT-AND SWITCH TECHNIQUES. NARRATED BY HERSCHEL ELKINS, HEAD OF THE CONSUMER PROTECTION DIVISION. STATE ATTORNEY GENERAL'S OFFICE, STATE OF CALIFORNIA, THIS FILM POINTS OUT THREE CASES OF FRAUD AND SUGGESTS WHAT CONSUMERS CAN DO IN EACH CASE. IN THREE DRAMATIZED INCIDENTS, THE CONSUMER IS SWITCHED FROM A CAR THAT HAS 'JUST BEEN SOLD' TO A MORE EXPENSIVE ONE; A DOOR-TO-DOOR VACUUM CLEANER SALESMAN TRIES TO MAKE HIS MACHINE APPEAR BETTER BY SECRETLY SPILLING DIRT ON THE RUG; AND A CONTRACTOR DENIES THE PROMISES HE MADE IN DOING STUCCO WORK ON A HOUSE. SUGGESTED CONSUMER REMEDIES INCLUDE CONTACTING TRADE ASSOCIATION OFFICES, LICENSING BUREAUS, LEGAL AID SOCIETIES, OR A LOCAL DISTRICT ATTORNEY'S OFFICE. VICTIMS OF HOME IMPROVEMENT FRAUD CAN TAKE THEIR CLAIM TO SMALL CLAIMS COURT AT A MODEST COST OR CAN REPORT THE FRAUD TO ANY BUREAU THAT LICENSES CONTRACTORS. CONSUMERS SHOULD ALSO MAKE SURE THEY UNDERSTAND THE SALES CONTRACT, REQUEST THAT SALESPERSONS PUT THEIR PROMISES IN WRITING AND INITIAL THEM, AND WATCH OUT FOR SUCH KEY TERMS AS FREE GIFT OR SPECIAL DEAL FOR ONLY A FEW PEOPLE. ABI AOP