As part of National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW), March 1-7, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), along with state, federal, and local government agencies are providing tips on everything from avoiding home and auto repair scams to debt management. Also, the BBB of Chicago is opening its doors to the public. Consumers will be able to pick up vital consumer and business information in the lobby of the James R. Thompson Center in Chicago March 5.
March 1 marked the beginning of the 11th annual National Consumer Protection Week. The theme for this year’s NCPW is “Nuts and Bolts: Tools for Today’s Economy.†The NCPW offers “the nuts and bolts consumers need to make informed decisions in today’s marketplace, according to its Website.
To help consumers navigate these uncertain economic times, the BBB also lists tips for making smart financial decisions:
–Obtain three bids and carefully compare them before you begin construction or any other type of work on your home or business.
–Check out a business before you spend money on any product or service. Visit BBB.org to view the BBB’s exclusive Reliability Report on the company.
–Never sign any contract that has blank spots or contains incomplete information about the work to be accomplished.
–Jobs that require you to make some type of payment up front before work begins are typically scams.
–Protect yourself against identity theft. Shred all documents that contain any financial information, including offers for new credit cards and loans.