BBB Advice on 2009 New Year’s Resolutions

As 2009 rears its head, consumers brainstorm resolutions in hopes of improving life this time around. The BBB offers a few tips to safeguard the hopes and aspirations of all consumers in the new year.

Scam artists love this time of year. Vulnerability abounds and consumers are apt to take the shortcut to success. Want to lose weight? Take this miracle pill. Get rich quick? Here’s your solution. Limited time offer? Don’t think before you act, just buy! Here’s some guidance from the BBB on what to include in your resolutions for 2009:

1. Resolve to check with the BBB before doing business in the marketplace.

2. Make sure all verbal agreements are also correctly documented in writing. Pay attention to fine print and asterisks. Carefully read anything you attach your signature to, and be sure that the business has a trusted reputation. Refer to resolution #1.
3. Resolve to keep your hard-earned money as your own. Make a budget, stick to it, and never send money to make money. Legitimate sweepstakes, lotteries, and work at home offers will not require a deposit. Refer to resolution #1.
4. Be cautious when considering financial opportunities. Refinancing or other loan programs require extensive research. Refer to resolution #1.
5. Do your homework when doing business with a new merchant, particularly if the business is done online or through a catalog. Get complete information about your order, including final costs, shipping, guarantees or warranties, return policies, delivery times, and confirmation or tracking numbers. Make sure the company’s physical address exists and confirm claims through client references or refer to resolution #1.
6. Resolve to safeguard your identity from con artists. Identifying information is private and should be kept as such. Properly dispose of sensitive documents by way of shredding. Call any institution requesting identifying information directly and follow up by referring to resolution #1.
7. Make the BBB a partner in your consumer activity. Promptly report negative as well as positive experiences to give other consumers an accurate picture of the business. Use www.wisconsin.bbb.org to save time.
8. Resolve to update security programs on your computer. Avoid disaster by installing a spam filter, virus protection, anti-spyware, and firewall. Check with the BBB for news alerts about online and other scams.
9. Do not fall prey to “too good to be true” offers. The phrases “limited time only” and “guaranteed” should raise red flags, not credit cards. Refer to resolution #1.
10. Resolve to be an educated consumer. By following these suggestions and by utilizing the free services of the BBB, you will strengthen your buying power and experience less heartache at the hands of scammers in 2009.