Protect Yourself Against Fraud
WAEPA has just published The 2018 Consumer Assistance Guide – designed to help Federal Employees – like you – spot scams and better protect yourself against fraud.
This unique guide gives you advice on shopping for goods and services, as well as an explanation of your consumer rights and responsibilities. It provides suggestions on resolving consumer problems and even gives you a sample complaint letter that will help you present your case. The 2018 Consumer Assistance Guide also gives you a list of public resources such as, useful consumer publications, tips, reviews, links and services to help you quickly access a world of practical consumer information.
Click here for your FREE WAEPA 2018 Consumer Assistance Guide!
As a smart consumer, you should always be on the alert for shady deals and scams. To protect your money and avoid being a victim of fraud, keep these things 10 tips in mind:
10 Quick Consumer Tips
A deal that sounds too good to be true usually is. Offers that often fall into this category are promises to fix your credit problems, low-interest credit cards, deals that let you skip credit card payments, business or job opportunities, risk-free investments, and free travel.
There is no universal three-day cooling-off period. Don’t be misled into thinking that you have an automatic three days to cancel a purchase. Only a few types of contracts give you a right to cancel.
Extended warranties or service contracts are rarely worth what you pay for them. Make sure that you understand exactly what is covered, who will be doing the repairs, the timelines involved, and the quality of materials used to make things right.
Home improvement and auto repairs are the subject of frequent complaints. Second opinions are especially important when you are dealing with a repair service you don’t know.
Not all plastic cards offer the same protections. Your liability for the unauthorized use of a gift card and debit/ATM card may be much higher than the $50 maximum on your credit card.
Beware of payday and tax refund loans. Interest rates on these loans are usually excessive. Even a high-interest cash advance on a credit card could be a better option.
Say no to credit insurance offers. Often offered with credit cards, car loans and home mortgages, it is almost always better to purchase regular property, life, or disability insurance.
Always think twice before sharing personal information. Protect your privacy and avoid unauthorized use of your personal information by following the advice later in this guide.
Think twice before you rent-to-own. Interest rates on rent-to-own purchases can be very high. If you miss a payment, you could end up with nothing. Consider other options such as buying second-hand at a thrift shop or through ads in your local newspaper.
Don’t buy under stress. Research suggests senior citizens, people in crisis (those coping with a death or debt), college students, small business owners, and Immigrants are especially at risk of being victimized. Avoid making big-ticket purchases during times of duress.
Be a Smart Consumer – before you spend another dollar, invest a few moments reading WAEPA’s – The 2018 Consumer Assistance Guide that brings together essential consumer information designed to help you make smart choices and avoid scams.
Click here for your FREE copy of WAEPA’s 2018 Consumer Assistance Guide!
Other WAEPA Guides available at waepa.org:
2018 Federal Retirement Guide
2018 New Federal Employee Guide
2018 Federal Benefits Guide
2018 Health Insurance Guide
2018 Federal Travel Guide
2018 Senior Executive Service Guide
2018 College Funding Guide
2018 Prevent Bullying Guide
WAEPA – A Non-Profit association formed in 1943, governed by Federal Employees, just like you, to serve the Federal community.
The goal of WAEPA is to provide access to products and services that promote the health, welfare, and financial well-being of its members.
Worldwide Assurance for Employees of Public Agencies (WAEPA), is a nonprofit association (not an insurance company) formed For Feds, By Feds. The goal of WAEPA is to provide access to products and services that promote the health, welfare and financial well-being of its members. After more than 75 years in business, WAEPA has over 46,000 members. For more information, visit waepa.org, or call (800) 368-3484