Saudi youths have launched a campaign to protect the rights of consumers in the Kingdom. They are using the word of mouth, social networking site Facebook, and the media to increase public awareness of the rights of the consumer. Their message is summarized by their slogan: “Ask for a receipt even if your purchase is only worth SR1.” The consumer awareness campaign took off after the experience of a Saudi father, who went to his local pharmacy to buy infant formula for his baby. He was shocked that the price of the infant milk powder was double the usual amount. He requested a receipt so that he could follow up the price hike with the Ministry of Commerce & Industry. The pharmacist hesitated, refused to give the customer a receipt, but then sold the customer the infant formula at its normal, lower price. Had this consumer been unaware of his rights, he would have unknowingly paid the unreasonably high price for the product. The Ministry of Commerce & Industry commended the campaign that aims to protect the rights of the average consumer. The ministry has set up a toll free number (800-124-16161) that welcomes calls from any consumer who has a complaint or feels that he/she has been wronged by a certain business. Valid complaints include the sale of products at unreasonably high prices or the sale of expired food items or other violations. It is the consumer's right to demand a receipt for any purchase. The consumer should save the receipt and warranty especially for expensive products. “People should be aware that consumers have rights and that each Saudi national and resident in the country plays a role in reducing commercial corruption,” consumer rights activist Muhammad Al
