The BBB's New Year's Resolutions for Consumers
By: Meaghan Collier
Updated: December 27, 2012
This year resolve to be a wise consumer. Being a wise consumer can save you time, money and headaches.
Be suspicious of high pressure, "too good to be true" claims
Say "no" when you feel pressured to make a purchase. Get all your questions answered, first. Check out all businesses and offers before signing anything or paying money. Business Reviews are available by calling 806/379-6222 or online at www.txpanhandle.bbb.org.
Check things out
Don't do business with strangers who approach you at home without doing a thorough check. Make sure you have a permanent address and phone number for the business. Find out a company's rating and how they handle complaints by contacting BBB.
Be an adamant reader
Read everything you sign to make sure you understand it, and to make sure it matches what you've been promised.
Protect yourself
Don't give personal information over the telephone to an unfamiliar company. This includes your credit card numbers, credit card expiration date, your social security number, driver's license number, and bank account numbers. Even if you're told it's only for "identification or verification," this information can be used for unauthorized charges or debits.
Refuse to pay in advance
Refuse to pay up-front for a "guaranteed" loan or job - it's illegal. Advance fee schemers ask for hundreds and sometimes thousands of dollars and never provide what they promised.
Don't fall for calls or letters claiming you've won a prize
When you are asked to pay before you get your winnings, you have just made a purchase. It's not a prize if you have to pay to get it.
Be suspicious of high pressure, "too good to be true" claims
Say "no" when you feel pressured to make a purchase. Get all your questions answered, first. Check out all businesses and offers before signing anything or paying money. Business Reviews are available by calling 806/379-6222 or online at www.txpanhandle.bbb.org.
Check things out
Don't do business with strangers who approach you at home without doing a thorough check. Make sure you have a permanent address and phone number for the business. Find out a company's rating and how they handle complaints by contacting BBB.
Be an adamant reader
Read everything you sign to make sure you understand it, and to make sure it matches what you've been promised.
Protect yourself
Don't give personal information over the telephone to an unfamiliar company. This includes your credit card numbers, credit card expiration date, your social security number, driver's license number, and bank account numbers. Even if you're told it's only for "identification or verification," this information can be used for unauthorized charges or debits.
Refuse to pay in advance
Refuse to pay up-front for a "guaranteed" loan or job - it's illegal. Advance fee schemers ask for hundreds and sometimes thousands of dollars and never provide what they promised.
Don't fall for calls or letters claiming you've won a prize
When you are asked to pay before you get your winnings, you have just made a purchase. It's not a prize if you have to pay to get it.
