By Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist, Blogging at The Survive and Thrive Boomer Guide
Guest Blogger

Life’s a struggle these days for boomer consumers as they seek to survive in these bleak economic times.

What can you do to avoid the worst kinds of problems that can happen in consumer transactions as well as downright scams?

The Top 10 Consumer Complaints List for 2007 released recently by the National Association of Attorneys General gives an indication of what to look out for as you go about your daily consumer purchasing and activities.

This national list of consumer complaints is compiled from reports provided by offices of the attorneys general and is tallied by NAAG’s Consumer Protection Project.

The results are as follows:

1. Debt collection
2. Auto sales
3. Home repair/construction
4. Telecommunications/slamming/cramming
5. Automotive (general)
6. Telemarketing/Do Not Call
7. Financial/investments
8. Retail sales
9. Internet goods and services
10. Contests/sweepstakes/prize promotion

I’ve added a link on each type of complaint that offers information on how to avoid the problem.

In addition, the Consumer Federation of America offers these seven ways that consumers can protect themselves from top complaints.

1. Check the track record. Before you buy, check the complaint records of unfamiliar companies. Consult your state or local consumer agency, the Better Business Bureau, and online complaint forums.
2. Hire licensed professionals. When you’re hiring professionals such as home improvement contractors, ask your state or local consumer protection agency if they must be licensed or registered and how you can check to confirm that they are.
3. Pay the safest way. Pay with a credit card when you buy goods or services that will be delivered later so you’ll be able to exercise your right to dispute the charges if you don’t get what you were promised.
4. Don’t pay in full upfront. Pay only a small deposit, if requested, for home improvement or other services, never the full amount upfront.
5. Recognize the danger signs of fraud.  Watch out for any request to wire money; scare tactics or pressure to act immediately; promises that you can borrow, win or make money easily as long as you pay a fee in advance; or any situation in which someone wants to give you a check or money order and asks you to send money somewhere in return.
6. Get all promises in writing. Verbal agreements are hard to prove. Carefully read contracts or finance agreements and make sure you understand them before you sign.
7. Get financial advice from legitimate sources. If you’re having trouble paying your bills, consult your local nonprofit consumer credit counseling service. Your state or local consumer agency may be able to help you find other legitimate sources of assistance.

Remember, it’s important to your financial and psychological health to be an informed, aware boomer consumer.

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