Consumer Alerts

• Avoid offers that seem "too good to be true."
• Avoid impulse buying on major items.
• Compare the price and quality of the merchandise at other retailers.
  Check with product quality magazines such as Consumer Reports or individuals that own and use the product or service.
• Check to see if the business has the required business licenses.
• Ask the business for references of previous customers.
• Check on the reputation and reliability of the business being dealt with.
• Contact the BBB or local regulatory agencies to ascertain the number and nature of the complaints filed against the business.
• Make sure warranties, guarantees, contracts and alterations to contracts are in writing.
• Read all advertisements, warranties, guarantees and contracts fully and carefully.
• Know what the refund policy is.
• Do not be pressured into buying; take your time.
• If you purchase a product and are making payments over time, be aware of and understand all finance and interest charges, monthly payments, applicable fees and the total cost.
• Make sure the purchased price matches the advertised price.
  Keep all receipts and documents of the transaction.
• Keep an eye on all credit card transactions and retrieve the card promptly.
  If a problem arises, try to resolve the dispute with the business. Utilize the chain of authority to bring about resolution.
• In order to help preserve your rights, and to help avoid the "he said, she said" cycle, telephonic communications should be summarized and written in a letter to the business. Certifying the letter is a good idea.
• If you cannot resolve the dispute, file a small claims action, retain a private attorney, contact a mediation organization, or file a complaint with the local consumer protection agency or the applicable regulatory agency.
• Do not be afraid to hang up on any unsolicited telephone call.

Beware of Telemarketers who:

• use high pressure sales tactics.
• insist on an immediate decision.
• request a credit card number or social security number for anything other than a bona fide purchase.
• wants to send someone to your home to pick up the money or requests that you send payment via overnight delivery.
• make statements that something is "free" and then follows it by a requirement that you have to pay for something.
• will not provide references that you can contact or any written information about the product, service, charity or the business itself.
• ask many questions of a personal nature regarding your marital or financial status, social security number, date of birth, the makeup of your household, or your schedule or routine.
• ask you to withdraw or transfer from your bank account to theirs.
• play on your emotions, by telling you of personal hardships, crisis or "bad luck."
• use a business name that sounds like a governmental agency.