The New Year is here and, because of the challenging economy, it’s more important that ever to resolve to take action and become a savvy, self-protected consumer. Better Business Bureau offers the following Top Ten New Year’s resolutions to protect yourself from potential frauds and scams.
“Being a savvy consumer is ultimately about taking the necessary steps to protect yourself from any scam or fraud” said Matthew Fehling, BBB President/CEO. “Shredding your personal information, researching businesses before you buy and making your best effort to keep scammers away should be among everyone’s resolutions this year.”
BBB recommends the following New Year’s resolutions to become an informed consumer in 2010:
1. Register your phone numbers on the National Do Not Call Registry. To avoid unsolicited phone calls in 2010, register your home and cell phone number by visiting www.donotcall.gov. You can also visit the website and verify if your phone number is registered. The telephone numbers placed on the National Do Not Call Registry will remain on it permanently due to the Do-Not-Call Improvement Act 2007, which became law in February of 2008.
2. Check your social media privacy settings. Use of social media sites has grown tremendously and for that reason, it is important to check who can see your profile, and what exactly they can see. When dealing with privacy and personal information, you can never be too careful.
3. Use social media to your advantage. Follow your BBB on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube channel to find out about the latest scams and frauds and how to protect yourself against them.
4. Buy and use a shredder. A shredder is one of the best investments you can make to protect your personal information. Shred any mail before you
throw it in the trash. This should include unwanted solicitations, credit or debit card receipts, shipping labels which list your name and mailing address and prescription labels.
5. Obtain a free credit report. Make it an “every year” resolution to check your credit report on www.annualcreditreport.com, the official site to help consumers obtain their free credit report created by the three nationwide consumer credit reporting companies- Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. Once you have your report, inspect it carefully to make sure all the accounts and loans on it were solicited and approved by you. If there is a mistake on your report, make sure to take the appropriate steps to correct it. Credit reports should also be checked for children to ensure that their social security number has not been compromised.
6. Regularly review your financial statements. Paying close attention to all of your credit, debit and bank account statements can be an effective way to detect any unauthorized charges.
7. Keep your social security card in a secure place. Carrying your social security card with you is never a good idea. Your wallet or handbag can be lost or stolen, and with it your driver’s license. These two items are an identity thief’s dream. Make sure you leave the card in a safe place such as a safe.
8. Use direct deposit when available to receive any type of income, including paychecks and social security benefits. Receiving income directly into your account eliminates the chances of someone stealing a check from your mail box, giving the thief access to your personal information and your money.
9. Get everything in writing and make sure you understand what you are signing. Get every verbal agreement in writing to limit miscommunication and misunderstandings between you and the business. A contract lists responsibilities of both a business and a consumer.
10. Check out a company with your BBB before doing business with them. Find a company’s Reliability Report by visiting www.arizonabbb.org. This report will give detailed information on accredited and non-accredited companies, including their BBB letter grade which ranges from A+ to F.
For more information or to request an interview with a BBB spokesperson, contact Ayana Meraz at 602-212-2229 or email ameraz@arizonabbb.org.
About BBB Serving Central, Northern & Western Arizona
BBB is an unbiased organization that sets and upholds high standards for fair and honest business behavior. Businesses that earn BBB accreditation contractually agree and adhere to the organization’s high standards of ethical business behavior. Incorporated locally in 1938, today your BBB serves communities in Central, Northern and Western Arizona, supported by over 9,400 BBB Accredited Businesses. BBB provides objective advice, free business BBB Reliability ReportsTM and charity BBB Wise Giving ReportsTM, and educational information on topics affecting marketplace trust.