Becoming a smart consumer

It is possible to be a wise consumer who never has a problem with a business. Well, a lot of trouble. The fact is that errors, misinformation, and just plain rudeness abound in the marketplace. Don’t assume that all businesses are honest and fair. Don’t assume that you will be trusted or treated well. You should expect a fight at some point for your rights and your money.

Here are some tips to help you become a smart consumer:

Tip #1: Don’t believe anyone who tells you they’ve won the lottery, free gas, or any other goodie. If you’re not standing there with a claim ticket in hand that you bought, you should just ignore the schematic.

Tip #2: Read each contract carefully before signing it. You must make sure that you understand each sentence. Make sure that all oral promises are obtained in writing. Remember that “three-day cancellations” only apply to door-to-door or off-premises sales contracts.

Tip #3: You should check your credit report several times a year to make sure there are no errors. Visit Annualcreditreport.com to get your credit report absolutely free by law. Or call 877-322-8228 to receive the forms in the mail.

Tip #4: Don’t just choose a company, such as a contractor, based on size or advertising. Be sure to research anyone you are going to give money to before the goods are delivered. Check the company’s track record with the Better Business Bureau and your state attorney general’s office.

Tip #5 — If you have to pay for a prize, it’s not a prize. it’s a purchase

Tip #6: DO NOT give out your Social Security number or personal information to anyone you don’t know.

Tip #7: Buy a shredder and destroy all personal information and credit card offers before you throw it away. You can learn a lot about someone by reading their mail.

Tip #8: Never email your account information to anyone. Companies will never ask you to update your account information via email.

Tip #9: Things that are too good to be true usually are. You can’t make money stuffing envelopes or buying information about lucrative government jobs. If you could, everyone would stay home.

Tip #10: You should never pay in full for unfinished work, sign a blank contract, or pay an up-front fee for a loan. There are just a few things you should put up with.

Be sure to keep copies of all receipts, reimbursement information, and other documents that are requested from a business. Lots of businesses lose things in the mail.

You may be a wise consumer, all you need is a little common sense. Trust your initial feelings and don’t jump at good deals without doing your research. Be sure to thoroughly review companies that require down payments. Follow-up of all your correspondence with companies and businesses. Write down who you spoke to, when, and what was resolved. If a problem arises, be persistent. Consider that you may need to contact a lawyer. And spread the word of your experience. Good luck.