Basic Consumer Tips
Set up a filing system and keep documents for a while, even after you think you don't need them anymore. Most important financial documents (bank and credit card statements, tax returns, etc.) should be kept for 7 years. However, even things like receipts for repairs or regular maintenance on your car, explanations of benefits from your insurance company, paycheck stubs, and receipts for major purchases can be incredibly important if and when problems arise.
Whenever you write a letter, send an email, or submit a form, whether it's an election of benefits form at your job, your tax return, a rebate request, an application for disability benefits, or a complaint to your landlord, keep a copy for your records.
If you are having a problem with someone, be sure to keep track of every time you tried to contact them, even if you couldn't reach them. Keep a written log documenting:
1) The dates and times of any phone calls you made, faxes you sent, or letters you mailed (Of course, keep copies of faxes and letters. Also, for faxes, always keep a fax confirmation. If you are faxing from home, be sure the date and time settings on your fax machine are correct.)
2) The names of any people you spoke with on the phone or left messages for (If you left a message, write down whether you left it with a person or on a voice mail. If you left it with a person, get their name.)
3) A summary of any conversations you had or of any messages you left
4) If you spoke with someone, summarize how the matter was left (is someone supposed to get back to you within a certain period of time, did you agree to send some additional information, etc.). If you are having ongoing problems with a particular person or company (even if you like them and think they will take care of the problem), put your concerns in writing, noting dates of incidents, what you did, how they responded, etc. These records may be very important if you are unable to get the problem resolved and have to go up the chain of command or seek legal assistance.
Although, documentation is especially important when you're having a problem with someone, you should get in the habit of doing it all the time. Good documentation may be critical if an unexpected problem arises. For example, when you send in your auto insurance payment, consider mailing it at the post office and getting a certificate of mailing. If you deliver your payment to your agent, get a receipt. That way, if the insurance company claims they did not receive your payment, you'll have proof it was sent, which may make the company more likely to work with you instead of canceling you for not paying your bill. For any important correspondence, consider faxing and keeping a fax confirmation or mailing by certified mail, return receipt requested.
Whether you are buying a car, deciding on which health insurance plan to select, or dealing with a newly diagnosed medical condition, ask questions and do some research. If the salesperson or doctor is unwilling to answer your questions, consider going to someone else. Search the internet, use the library, contact support groups or associations, talk with friends, get a second opinion . . . get as much information as possible about whatever you're dealing with.
We all know this, but often, especially in times of crisis or when we feel pressured, we are tempted to believe things that seem to good to be true. If you're feeling tempted, try to walk away, at least for a little while, to carefully consider your options, alternatives, and the possible consequences of jumping into something questionable.
If it isn't written down, assume it isn't true. Try to get the person to put what they're telling you in writing (email is good for this). If you feel forced to take someone's word for something, be sure to write down the name and contact information of the person you're speaking with, the date, time, location, and exactly what they are telling you.
You can certainly be firm and assertive, but rude or angry behavior on your part will probably only make things worse and can work against you if you become involved in a lawsuit. If you're dealing with a very stressful situation, ask a friend or family member to sit with you for moral support while you make phone calls. Use them as an outlet for your anger and frustration so that you can stay calm on the phone.
Focus on dates, occurrences, statements made, etc., rather than simply making critical or judgmental statements about someone else's behavior that may be perceived as personal attacks. It's a good idea to have someone you trust read anything you put in writing before you send it. Ask the person to be sure the letter is focused on the facts of your situation and is not rude or threatening. By the same token, at least until the issue is resolved, be careful about giving the person or company you are dealing with too much credit for trying to resolve your problem. Unfortunately, if you ultimately have to go to court, comments you made showing appreciation of their efforts may be used against you to minimize your claim. As a rule, whether on the phone or in writing, STICK TO THE FACTS.
One of the most common ways people are taken advantage of is by salesmen coming to or calling them at home. Even if you need what the salesperson has to offer, be suspicious. NEVER commit to anything the first time someone contacts you. ALWAYS ask them to send you written information on the product or service they want to sell you. Also, ask for a list of references you can call (people who have bought their product or service), but keep in mind that you don't really know who they might be putting you in touch with. ALWAYS check with the local Better Business Bureau (www.bbb.org) to see if there have been complaints about the individual/company. The bottom line: if you really need a service or product, do your own research to find out about the individuals or companies that provide it. In general, good research combined with recommendations from friends and family is likely to be more reliable than door-to-door or phone salespeople.
If you feel like you're being misled, manipulated, or taken advantage of, you probably are.