The document provides tips for consumers to avoid scams and protect their personal information. It warns against giving out sensitive information to unknown callers, paying fees to claim prizes, or providing financial details in response to unsolicited emails. Work-from-home opportunities require caution, and high-pressure sales tactics should raise red flags. The document advises checking with the Better Business Bureau and doing research before committing to any new business.

1. The Wise Consumer A Public Service of the Better Business Bureau Committed to Fairness in the Marketplace

2. Your Personal Information Never give personal information to an unknown telemarketer claiming to represent your bank or some other institution with which you conduct business.

3. Bank and credit card accounts Report missing credit cards immediately Review statements, report errors promptly Never share account passwords, ATM cards or pin numbers with anyone Don’t put bill payments in unsecured mailboxes Shred paperwork containing sensitive personal information before discarding

4. Bogus e-mail Do not respond to e-mail solicitations asking for your personal identification, such as Social Security or bank account numbers. Legitimate businesses don’t operate this way

5. Prizes, lotteries and special opportunities Never pay a “processing fee” to claim a “prize you have won” Such “fees” are illegal .

6. Electronic fraud Don’t believe everything you see on the Internet. If an offer seems too good to be true, it probably is.

7. Work–at–home “ Red flags” for work at home offers; You are asked to pay for “supplies” or “training” You will need to meet strict “standards” for your work You will be doing “medical billing” from home

8. Work–at–home For any work-at-home offer, check with the BBB before sending money to the company Remember: there is no easy way to earn significant income working from home

9. Door-to-door solicitors Home repairs, gardening, charity, etc. DO ask for street address, telephone and local references DO check on the business with your BBB DON’T pay cash up front DON’T accept the offer immediately

10. High-pressure Limited time offer You must act now Often an effort to get you to buy in haste, before scrutinizing the deal Be wary of such tactics Consult friends, family, professional organizations and the BBB Go at your own pace

11. “ Insider information” Crooks claim to have special connections with suppliers, manufacturers or other businesses “ Special access” equals “great deals” Thoroughly investigate such claims with your Better Business Bureau

12. Be a wise consumer! Check out an unfamiliar business thoroughly. Look for an affiliation with professional organizations and visit www.bbb.org for valuable information on marketplace activity. Trust your instincts. If it doesn’t “feel right” it probably isn’t!

13. Federal Trade Commission Visit the Federal Trade Commission website at www.ftc.gov. Web resources at FTC have many useful articles/warnings related to a large variety of businesses

14. State Attorney General Your State Attorney General’s office is another useful resource for research or resolution A national listing can be found at; www.naag.org

15. In summary Take the time necessary to establish the legitimacy of any company, service or vendor that is new to you, especially if they have approached you . Such research should include a verifiable business location telephone number and other indications of sustained commercial activity. Consult your local BBB and other sources of information. You’ll be glad you did!