BBB's Steps to Becoming a Confident Consumer in 2012
Monitor My Credit Report: Get on top of your financial reputation by monitoring your credit report in 2012. Set up a calendar reminder to go to www.annualcreditreport.com on January 15, May 15, and September 15. Request one free copy of your credit report from a different credit bureau each time and scan the report for unauthorized accounts or outstanding balances that you didn't make. Report any problems to the credit bureau immediately.
Read More: Make a commitment to read the fine print! Most disputes would be avoided if buyers took the time to read the tiny text. It's not uncommon for less scrupulous sellers to bury important terms or conditions that they know would kill the sale if they were more prominently disclosed.
Defend My Computer: Keep your computer - and your personal and financial information - safe by investing in anti-virus software and anti-spyware today. Avoid "free" solutions and fixes that often infect rather than defend. Make sure your protection offers timely updates, so that your information stays safe as new threats surface.
Fight Identity Theft: Protect your personal information! Be selective about what information you share and how you share it. Don't carry your Social Security Card and be especially careful when online. Avoid phishing schemes that request sensitive information and properly safeguard personally identifying documents in your home. Shred as much as you can and check your bills and financial statements for suspicious activity.
Start With Trust: Bookmark bbb.org and use it to search for companies you can trust. You can also file a complaint and learn about the latest scams targeting job seekers, lottery hopefuls, "want to be" mystery shoppers or anyone looking to get out of debt in 2012. If you shop using an iPhone or iPad, download the free "BBB Search" app from the App Store and you can take us with you where ever you go!