State FOUR disadvantages of using gas in a house - NSC Consumer Studies - Question 2 - 2023 - Paper 1

1. Fraud or illegal activities, such as false advertising or scams.
2. Misrepresentation of goods or services, leading consumers to make uninformed decisions.
3. Oppressive and unreasonable acts against consumers that may exploit them.
4. Providing false promises or misleading statements, which can harm the consumer.

1. Utilize cold water rather than hot water to wash clothes, as it consumes less energy.
2. Use the short and efficient washing cycle that suits the load to save water and energy.
3. Regularly clean the filter of the washing machine to ensure efficient operation.

A prize notification scam typically involves an unsolicited message or email stating that the recipient has won a lottery or prize. The consumer is often required to provide personal information or to make a payment to claim the prize, which does not actually exist. The scammers then use the provided information for fraudulent purposes.

1. Taking a short shower saves more water compared to taking a bath.
2. Installing low-flow showerheads can significantly reduce water usage.
3. Turning off the tap while soaping can help conserve water.
4. Recycling water by using it for other purposes reduces waste.

Municipalities typically procure electricity from larger suppliers like Eskom and distribute it to local communities. They may also implement pre-paid meters to encourage responsible usage and ensure accurate billing. Additionally, municipalities can offer free basic electricity to lower-income households.

1. Consumers should immediately report any faults or issues with their electricity supply to the authorities.
2. They can take measures to reduce electricity consumption by using appliances efficiently.
3. Educating themselves about their rights can help consumers stand against unfair practices.

1. Very high returns, often exceeding 20% returns, are promised with little to no risk.
2. New members are incentivized to recruit others, creating a dependency on new membership for profits.
3. There is no actual product or service provided; the scheme relies on continuous recruitment.
4. Participants are often left with no means to recover their initial investments when the scheme collapses.

The instrument used to measure inflation is the Consumer Price Index (CPI). It tracks changes in the price level of a basket of consumer goods and services over time, providing insights into the purchasing power and inflation rates.

Higher interest rates may lead to increased loan repayments, affecting disposable income. Consumers with variable-rate loans will face higher costs, which can diminish their spending capacity and overall quality of life. Conversely, those with savings may benefit from higher interest earnings.