Twelve Seasonal Tips from the Consumer Protection Division

Twelve Seasonal Holiday Tips from the Consumer Protection Division

1. Keep in mind that wiring money is like sending cash: the sender has no protections against loss
2. Don’t send money to someone you don’t know
3. Don’t respond to messages that ask for your personal or financial information, whether the message comes as an email, a phone call, a text message  or an ad
4. Don’t play a foreign lottery; it’s illegal
5. Don’t agree to deposit a check from someone you don’t know and then wire money back, no matter how convincing the story
6. In the wake of a natural disaster or another crisis, give to established charities rather than one that seems to have sprung up overnight
7. Remember there’s no such thing as a sure thing.
8. Know where an offer comes from and who you’re dealing with
9. There are no charges for “real” government grants
10. Read your bills and monthly statements regularly-on paper and online
11. Get a free credit report yearly from www.annualcreditreport.com or 877-322-8228
12.  When shopping, find out the exchange and restocking policy, plus save your receipts