We continue this week with the Top Consumer Complaints, as well as some tried-and-true, sensible advice that correspond to all consumer problems to help us protect our hard-earned cash and emotional stability. Readers will note that three of the Top Ten 2007 complaints (see September 6th column) also appear on the current ranking of the top five fastest-growing complaints of 2008. It's a sad state of affairs when we’re continually on guard against dishonest practices; no wonder we remain apprehensive about where we place our trust…

1. Home mortgage fraud and foreclosure scams: Boy, just read the newspaper and listen to the television and radio! It's a national disgrace when so many of us just struggle to get by in today's shaken economy, we still must outguess these tricksters who try to throw us out into the street. Regardless of the work to be done, always check your state and local offices of consumer protection, online complaint forums, and the Better Business Bureau. It goes without saying that you eyeball the fine print in any contract and recognize all the danger signs of fraud. Regrettably, our elderly are the most heavily victimized and shame, shame, shame on the creeps who continually take advantage of them. (If you reside in Southeast Tennessee, North Georgia or North Alabama and you’re in over your head financially, try a local nonprofit consumer credit counseling service at www.mycreditcounselors.com.)

2. Home improvement: Per last week, we can’t be too careful about the person(s) whom we allow to hammer and nail our hearth and home. Check those licenses! Ask for referrals from friends and colleagues and get all prospective contractor/builder's deadlines and specifics in writing. Remember that fine print and never, ever pay in full upfront. It’s a smart idea to ask for and to check with past previous customers; in fact, march on over to their houses and ask to see the quality of the work.

3. Internet sales: With billions who access the Internet, both at home and abroad, it pays — literally and figuratively — to be certain you’re dealing with a respectable and responsible person and/or company. Never spend a penny unless the “s” in https:// is present and always pay by credit card so you have recourse if the deal goes awry. (Additionally, see #5.)

4. Credit and debt collection: With all the concerns that can arise in this business, Identity Theft being a prevalent one, consumers must stay on their toes to avoid fraud. As importantly, though, is to be aware that crooks harass people because they know that many of us owe money to someone and we've been tardy in payment. Their knowledge sets the stage for a successful sting: we're told that is we either write a check that a “courier” will pick up, or give the caller our credit card information. Far too many innocents fall for this line and, once again, Americans are duped by the unscrupulous.

5. Fake check scams: Fake check swindlers hunt for victims. They check newspaper and online ads for people listing items for sale and check postings on online job sites from people seeking employment. In addition, not only do these scammers place their own ads with phone numbers or email addresses for people to contact them, they call or send emails or faxes to people randomly, because they know that a lot of folks will take the bait. There is no legitimate reason for someone who is giving you money to ask you to wire money back. Don’t deposit this check. Instead, report fake check scams to www.fraud.org. That information will be transmitted to the proper law enforcement agencies.

Editor’s Note: Ellen Phillips is a retired English teacher who has written two consumer-oriented books. Her Consumer Watch column appears on Saturdays in the Business section of the paper. An expanded version is at www.timesfreepress.com under Local Business. E-mail her at consumerwatch@timesfreepress.com

Comments