SEASIDE HEIGHTS – State, County and local officials came together with some law enforcement representatives looking for fraud in all the fun places of the borough’s boardwalk recently.
It was all part of the kickoff of the annual “Safe Summer” compliance initiative and involved Ocean County officials who joined New Jersey Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin and the State Division of Consumer Affairs Acting Director Elizabeth M. Harris.
The campaign promotes a safe, family-friendly environment along the Jersey Shore through summer-long inspections of boardwalk games and businesses.
Consumer Affairs investigators checked for proper pricing and refund policy disclosures, while staff from the Legalized Games of Chance Control Commission and the State Office of Weights and Measures ensured fair gameplay and accurate scales.
Joining Attorney General Platkin were Ocean County Commissioner Robert S. Arace, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer, Ocean County Consumer Affairs Director Ronald Heinzman, Seaside Heights Police Chief Thomas Boyd, Seaside Heights Mayor Anthony Vaz and staff from each participating agency.
Educational materials were distributed to help bring consumers awareness of how they could protect themselves from being victims of fraud.
Consumer safety tips include for amusement games include::
1) Rules and prices must be clearly posted.
2) Operator can charge a maximum of $20.
3) Operator returns change immediately.
4) Prizes must display what it takes to win.
Customers were urged to make sure business licenses and the cost to play the games are prominently displayed.
Platkin tried out one of the crane games at the Coin Castle Arcade among the boardwalk games of chance that were inspected during the afternoon. “What we’re looking for is to make sure that the rules are followed when they play the games, they get a fair shot.”
The Division of Consumer Affairs conducts surprise inspections before the summer season begins, but bad weather has caused a delay in those inspections this year. State investigators wanted to come out before Independence Day weekend.
Consumer Affairs Inspector Joe Chessere was among the state inspectors looking over a balloon game that featured prize tags. Chessere remarked that when players pop a balloon at that stand the operator takes the tag and shows it to them to see precisely what the prize they will receive is.
Weights and measures were also checked to assure that those purchasing a pound of fudge at a boardwalk Sweet Shop got exactly that much fudge.
Business owners were very happy to show that their operation was legitimate. For customers, there are some tips for playing amusement games. Shore area businesses have been suffering from multiple rainy weather weekends, but are looking forward to being profitable this summer.
Those caught violating the regulations could face fines of up to $250 to $500 if they get caught cheating.
