March includes National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW), a week devoted to informing consumers of their rights and educating the public about scam and ID theft prevention. You may have rights as a consumer you did not realize you had – rights that could make all the difference in today’s rough-and-tumble, internet-based financial landscape. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) (BBBinc.org) of the Midwest Plains has partnered with the Federal Trade Commission and area law enforcement agencies on innovative programs to protect consumers and business owners. Access those opportunities at www.bbbinc.org.
Basic tips from BBB for safeguarding against scams include:
- Don’t send money to someone you have not met
- Never click on links or attachments in unsolicited emails or texts
- Don’t trust the legitimacy of something by its looks
- Don’t trust your caller ID
- Buy online only from legitimate sources
- Look up companies
- Treat your personal identification information like gold
- Don’t give in to pressure to act quickly
- Get details in writing
- Don’t overshare on social media
- Keep your travel plans to yourself
- Shred sensitive information
- Monitor your accounts
- Use strong passwords
BBB is a not-for-profit, business-supported organization that sets and upholds high standards for fair and honest business behavior. BBB services to consumers are free. Visit BBBinc.org for more information.