Avoid consumer fraud - check out business first

  • Published
  • By Maj. Rebecca Salisbury
  • Air Force Reserve
LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. --  Have you ever been a victim of consumer fraud?

Consumer fraud is a very broad category that includes deceptive advertising, failing to provide promised goods or services, or misleading consumers as to the terms of the deal.

Many businesses with professional looking Web sites, great sales pitches and prices are fly-by-night operations that are after nothing more than your money. Remember, the time to check out a business is before you sign on the dotted line. Don't be lured in by a good salesperson, fancy Web site, tempting results or an unbeatable price.

Consumer scams often revolve around certain products or services. Recent hot areas include acai berry products and nutritional supplements, charitable donations where only a small amount goes to the actual charity, foreclosure rescue or loan modification scams, work-at-home business opportunities and debt resolution companies. Be especially careful in these areas, read the small print and be very cautious about giving credit card, debit card or bank account information.

There is recourse for victims of consumer fraud. Their first effort should be to work out a solution with the business. If that fails, the Office of the Attorney General of Arizona offers consumers an opportunity to file a complaint. This complaint is forwarded to the business for a response, which is provided to the person who filed the complaint and recorded at the Attorney General's office. If the AG receives numerous or serious complaints, the AG's office can sue the business or individuals for civil penalties and requests restitution for consumers. Complaint forms can be found online at www.azag.gov.

Another great place to pursue a consumer complaint is the local Better Business Bureau or "BBB." The BBB tracks complaints about businesses and if they respond to complaints. The BBB also gives each business a rating from A to F based upon the type of business, the number of complaints and the company's response to complaints. Unlike the AG's office, the BBB publicizes the number of complaints and the grade received by the business. Find complaint forms and business ratings at central-northern-western-arizona.bbb.org.

The best time to check out an unknown company is before you do business with them. Do this first or you may soon be out your money and heading to small claims court -- or bemoaning your fate with everyone else.