Senate Approves Measure to Ensure Rebates Are Paid Out

Staff Writer, April 1, 2009

According to the Better Business Bureau, many Americans are not receiving their rebates from companies who promise them. Many of these individuals raise questions about the possibility of recourse and whether or not they can take legal action against the businesses. However, a recently proposed bill, which was passed unanimously in the Senate, would make it more difficult for businesses to disregard their rebate promises. The new law would require that any company, which offers a rebate program, respond to a rebate request within 90 days. If any business does not follow this regulation, then it may be subject to prosecution by the individual claiming the rebate or by the Better Business Bureau, itself. Many businesses have been shirking the responsibility to pay rebates since the beginning of the economic downturn. However, the purchaser and sender of the rebate would also now only have two weeks to apply for his or her rebate. This will make it less likely that the consumer will forget to send the rebate into the company.

Because of the tough economic times, many Americans are trying to find ways to save money. The United States government is working hard to make sure that consumers’ rights are protected. The Better Business Bureau has been receiving an abnormal number of responses for check-ups on many companies’ rebate policies. The current bill is now in the House of Representatives, and is being discussed.