April Fool’s pranks are fun, but feeling like a company’s customer service department is taking advantage of you isn’t a joke. Too many shopping people are getting the run-around.
Good Housekeeping reveals the “Top Five Mistakes” consumers make and provides tips for what people can do to protect themselves in the future:
1. You Don’t Know Who You’re Dealing With:
You wouldn’t buy a watch from the sketchy guy on the corner so why entrust your credit card to a questionable website? The same is true for flyers you receive in the mail for discount services, or an unsolicited e-mail offer.
Before you are wooed by a low price:
Google the name of the company or site plus the word “complaint” or “scam” and see what you get.
Look up the company’s standing on the Better Business Bureau website (bbb.org).
For unfamiliar online stores, check that the site offers a way to reach customer service by phone (not just by e-mail)–and check that you can actually speak to a person. Read the website privacy policy, so you know how they may use any information you give them.
Carefully scrutinize any “free introductory offer” you receive. (Tip: If they require a credit card number, you should be wary of how “free” it really is.)
SOURCE Hearst Corporation
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