How Consumers Can Protect Themselves

Are you someone who is extremely trusting of everything and everyone you come into contact with? Are you aware there are con artists out there waiting to pull a scam on you if you mess up? Do you like to protect your personal well being, finances and property? You will learn consumer protection techniques.

Never sign a contract or document without thoroughly reading it first. Even if the document directly pertains to another person, you could be affected somehow once you sign your name. If the person giving you the document presses you to quickly write your signature, stand your ground and let him or her know you never sign anything without reading it first.

There are three good reasons why you should read the fine print, or completely read a web site's terms and other informational pages, before making a purchase or submitting a form online. The first reason is you should learn everything you can about a product or service that interests you to make sure it is a perfect fit for you and to prevent having what is called "buyer's remorse".

The second reason why you should read the fine print on a web site is you have to know what you are getting into. For example, a site might offer a free trial for a product or service while revealing on the policies page that if you do not cancel your free trial after a certain period of time, your credit card will be charged a set amount each month.

The third reason why you should read the fine print on a web site is to be assured you are not breaking the law. For example, there was a case last year or the year before that in which Lori Drew harassed Megan Meier, a teenager who later committed suicide in Missouri, on myspace.com. Because Lori did not read the terms before signing up for an account, she did not know it was against My Space's rules to harass other members. Because Missouri authorities could not charge her with online harassment, Los Angeles officials charged her with unlawfully accessing My Space's computer database.

Do not be anyone's co-signer for anything. If that person does not make the obligated payment, you can be liable.

Always read the labels and instruction manuals for products you buy and closely follow the instructions. It is crucial to completely know how to use the product wisely and prevent harming yourself and others.

Never pay to find a job directly. If a job advertisement asks you to make an investment to get more information or a job offer, ignore the ad. Do not reply to ads that do not reveal who the employer is or where it is located.

Be careful about processing or giving up money. Ignore notices that claim you won the lottery while asking you to make a payment or give out your personal information. Ignore notices that ask you to process money that will be sent to you. If someone on the street asks you to contribute a payment while promising you will earn more money than you paid, walk away - this is how my grandfather got conned.

Avoid taking out loans and mortgages that carry an exorbitant price. America's housing crisis started as a result of people having mortgages worth several hundred dollars or more without having a realistic chance of being able to pay them off.

If you are a college student or someone else who does not have adequate income, do not be lured into getting a credit card. Buy things with cash or a debit card.

Watch everything you say when using the telephone or E-mail. You never know when you are monitored.

Protect your home and automobile. Buy homeowner's insurance and auto insurance. Buy an alarm for your home and vehicle. Put an anti-theft device on your steering wheel.

Be leery when someone unexpectedly comes to your home. If someone you did not call comes to inspect your property and you are suspicious, call the company he claims to be with for verification.

Follow these steps to protect yourself as a consumer!