The document provides essential tips for consumer awareness, including understanding consumer rights and educating oneself about potential scams. It emphasizes the importance of comparative shopping and offers strategies for effective purchasing decisions. Additionally, guidance on handling consumer problems and resources for further assistance are included.

1. Making money sensetips and ideas to help your family prosperConsumer Awareness1

2. WHAT IS IT?Being aware of your rights as a consumerEducating yourself on the products or services you are about to buyEducating yourself on the scams that consumers face today2

3. COMPARATIVE SHOPPINGWise consumer buying starts with a plan. People who use a systematic purchasing strategy will make more effective purchasesSome comparative shopping techniques a person should carefully consider when purchasing a product/service are:PriceFeaturesBenefitsWarranty Store Policies3

4. COMPARATIVE SHOPPING CHART4

5. EXAMPLES OF CONSUMER SCAMSForeign scamsTelemarketing scamsCredit repairAutomatic debit scamsFraudulent diet scamsMagazine subscription scamsToll-free scamsInternational phone scamsOnline scams5

6. HOW TO HANDLE A CONSUMER PROBLEMCollect recordsFile a complaint with the sellerCall or write the person responsible for consumer complaints at the company’s headquartersWhat to write:Your name, address and account number, if appropriateDescribe your purchase (name of product, serial number, date and location of purchase)State of problem and give historyAsk for specific actionEnclose copies of documents regarding your problemAllow time for action or response Include how you can be reached6

7. HOW TO HANDLE A CONSUMER PROBLEM – CONT.Contact an industry dispute program, the Better Business BureauContact a Federal agencyFile a claim in small-claims court or hire a private lawyer7Source: www.practicalmoneyskills.com

8. CONSUMER INFORMATION AND HELPHelpful websites for Consumer AwarenessBetter Business Bureau – www.bbb.comBrand, Price and Feature Comparison – www.pricescan.comConsumer Reports – www.consumerreports.orgConsumer World – www.consumerworld.orgGovernment Information Sources – www.consumer.gov, www.pueblo.gsa.gov, www.ftc.govNational Fraud Information Center – www.fraud.orgThe Consumer Law Page – www.consumerlawpage.com8

9. For more information:920.882.4800www.myprospera.comFor more great financial tips and news follow us on Twitter and facebook!http://twitter.com/MyProsperahttp://facebook.com/9Source: www.practicalmoneyskills.com