BECAUSE PREVENTION IS PREFERABLE TO PROSECUTION FOR BOTH BUSINESS AND THE CONSUMER, IT IS IMPORTANT THAT CONSUMERS FULLY UNDERSTAND THEIR RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS. AS AN AID, THIS MANUAL DESCRIBES CONSUMER COMPLAINTS AND CON GAMES COMMON TO CALIFORNIANS, AND ADVISES VICTIMS ON HOW TO PROCEED. FOR EXAMPLE, WHEN PURCHASING THROUGH A RETAIL INSTALLMENT CONTRACT, THE CONSUMER SHOULD READ THE CONTRACT CAREFULLY, REFUSE TO SIGN IF BLANK SPACES ARE LEFT, MAKE SURE ALL VERBAL PROMISES OF THE SALESMAN ARE WRITTEN IN THE CONTRACT, OBTAIN A COPY OF THE CONTRACT, AND BE SURE ALL THE TERMS OF THE CONTRACT ARE CONTAINED IN A SINGLE DOCUMENT. BEFORE OPENING A RETAIL REVOLVING ACCOUNT, THE CONSUMER SHOULD KNOW THE INTEREST CHARGED PER MONTH, AND THE METHOD BY WHICH THE INTEREST IS COMPUTED. OTHER AREAS COVERED INCLUDE INACCURATE CREDIT REPORTS, DOOR-TO-DOOR SALES, CAR BUYING, DANCE STUDIO CONTRACTS, HEALTH STUDIO CONTRACTS, PRESCRIPTIONS AND DRUG PRICING, BUNCO SCHEMES, AND RESIDENTIAL AND PERSONAL SECURITY. (LWM)