The Better Business Bureau has submitted the following consumer information for Tri-City News readers.
March is Fraud Awareness Month, so the Better Business Bureau is offering consumers smart shopping tips to help them recognize and avoid the frauds and scams targeting them.
This guide will help consumers know what questions they should be asking and what red flags to watch out for to avoid trouble, whether they're shopping online or in store.
Shopping Online
Use trustworthy websites. Start with BBB to check on the seller's reputation and record for customer satisfaction. Watch for the BBB seal on their website and click on it to view their business review.
Protect your computer. Always have the most recent updates installed for spam filters, anti-virus and antispyware software, and a secure firewall.
Protect your personal information. Take time to read the privacy policy and understand what personal information is being requested and how it will be used.
Trust your gut. Offers on websites and in unsolicited emails can often sound too good to be true. Always go with your instincts and don't be afraid to pass up a "deal".
Confirm your online purchase is secure. Always look in the address box for the "s" in https:// and in the lower-right corner for the "lock" symbol before paying.
Pay with a credit card. It's best to use a credit card because you can dispute the charges if you don't receive the item or if there are unauthorized charges.
Keep documentation of your order. After completing the online order process, there may be a final confirmation page or the shopper might receive confirmation by e-mail?save a copy as a record of the purchase.
Retail Shopping
Check out the business. Start with BBB to check on the seller's reputation and record for customer satisfaction.
Do your research. There are a lot of products and retailers to choose from. Know what you have in mind before you visit retailers so you can ask pertinent questions and not get pressured into a product that's not right for you.
Ask about their refund policy. Find out what the refund and exchange policy is before purchasing and get it in writing. Returns may require a copy of the receipt, may not apply to all items, or valid only within a certain time frame. A condition of return could be a deduction from the original purchase price, like a restocking fee.
Don't always settle on the best priced product. Ask the salesperson for a complete description, understanding that the best guarantee of good performance for many years is to invest in the highest quality product you can afford. It will save you money in the long term.
Read the contract closely. Make sure you understand the terms and conditions. Is their a guarantee on the product? If so, is it with the manufacturer or the retailer? Is their a return policy if you are dissatisfied with the product? If the business is offering delivery, find out if there is a charge and if the delivery time is negotiable.
