Wednesday, September 30, 2009

Protect yourself from Internet Fraud and Crime


Some of us get too familiar with using the internet and let our guard down. Others realize the hazards and become more cautious over time. Hopefully, you can find somewhere in the middle to use your computer and the internet with some degree of safety because you are aware of the potential for identity theft and fraud.

You must be your own watchdog to protect yourself. One of the ways to protect yourself is to never be tempted by SPAM. If you get offers in your email and do not know the person, do not even open them--no matter how great the offer looks. Buying from spammers is one of the common ways to be defrauded. If you want to shop, go to your favorite search engine and find a website on your own.

Watch for internet fraud and potential identity theft in your online activities. Here is some more information to help you protect yourself as a savvy consumer on the internet. This link also gives information on reporting internet fraud.

Be savvy, be safe on the internet.

Linda
cajunC

Sunday, September 27, 2009

Lead Poisoning Should Concern Consumers


Lead poisoning often causes brain damage in small children and is a hazard to pregnant women, and it is totally preventable. The lead does not leave the body, but builds up over a lifetime, so it should be of concern to all of us.

Consumers should be on the lookout for lead poisoning dangers in homes built prior to 1978, but lead is also in older children's toys, in dust around older homes, and in the soil around older homes or in older neighborhoods.

If you see a child chewing on paint on the porch or window sills of an older home, remove the child from the area or cover the window sill with a fabric. There are other cautionary measures to take and other areas to watch out for. It is not worth the long-term effects to permit lead to infiltrate your child's system. We have more information available in an article on lead poisoning.

We encourage you to be a smart consumer and watch for potential lead poisoning causes around your house, or grandma's house. Never underestimate the danger. Read more about the dust and soil hazard by clicking on the link above.

Stay safe!

Linda
cajunC

Friday, September 25, 2009

Get a Refund on an Internet Purchase


Did you know you can get a refund on an internet purchase if you have paid with a method that will permit a refund? Many online users do not know that they are entitled to a refund if the item does not arrive or if it is not what they ordered. Don't sleep on it, but act quickly.

Of course, your first action is to deal with the seller, particularly if it is an individual on a marketplace like eBay, iOffer, blujay, etsy or one of those. Most of the sellers will make good on their sale, but every now and then there is one who thinks it won't be necessary. Here's how it can work for you.

  • Pay with a USPS money order and send it through the mail.
  • Pay with credit card
  • Pay with credit card through Google Checkout or PayPal
  • Pay with personal check and send it through the mail
All these methods have recourse for you. You can read more about your rights as a consumer and getting a refund on an internet purchase here.

Do not be afraid to purchase online, but buy from reputable sellers, use Google Checkout or PayPal and your credit card, or send a USPS money order or personal check through the mail.

Until next time!

Linda
cajunC