Be An Informed Consumer; Avoid Scams And Fraud

The Better Business Bureau has joined government and private organizations in promoting consumer education during National Consumer Protection Week, March 6-12. The annual campaign encourages consumers to know and understand their rights and responsibilities in order to make better-informed decisions.

To avoid falling prey to scammers:

Do not give Social Security, financial or other personal information to strangers who make contact by phone, internet or mail.
Keep antivirus software up to date and be careful when surfing the Internet.
Shred financial, tax, medical, insurance and other confidential records when no longer needed.
Trust your instincts. If a deal sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

To learn more about National Consumer Protection Week check out ncpw.gov.