Internet
Safety Tips & Downloads
Stay safe, Stay secure, Stay alert!
Easy steps to insure safety during internet travel
and transactions:
1. Redirection
When using a secured site, always check the status bar to make sure the link you have
clicked is where you are being directed to. Our secured server is hosted
Intersessions.com, so that should be the first address you see in all of our secured page
redirections, if not, cancel the transfer immediately and disconnect from the Internet!
2. Secure sites
NEVER enter ANY personal or security personal data unless the locked or secure symbol is
showing in the status bar. If it is not secure, neither is your information! Often a
message box will appear stating that not all items on the page are secure, asking if you
still want to make them visible. Choose NO. This means there are graphics, or code items
that are being called from unsecured directories or locations. If you choose YES, the page
is NOT 100% secure. Well constructed sites will still have the necessary information
available to you, but some graphics may not show.
3. Spoofing
Spoofing is an evil little technique that some people have devised to steal your
information. EBay, PayPal, Amazon.com and many other companies have become targets -
including BANKS!!!! You will receive and email stating that your information must be
confirmed, or that your account is being closed, or something crucial to the account. The
page you pull up in your email will look very authentic and official, but the links that
you click, direct you to the thief's sites where they will steal your logins, passwords
and any other info you enter! If you pass your mouse over the link to their site, in the
status bar will reveal where that link is going. Stay ALERT!
4. Anti-Virus & AdAware Software
DO NOT USE THE INTERNET FOR ANY REASON WITHOUT AN ACTIVE ANTI-VIRUS APPLICATION ON YOUR
SYSTEM!!!!!!!!!!! The Colorado Metro Mart also recommends downloading AdAware from Lavasoft. (www.lavasoft.de) Run AdAware at
least once per week and update at least every 15 days. This is a freeware application, or
for a more robust version, necessary for businesses, the cost is very reasonable.
5. Browser Hijackers
Banks, and other reputable companies will never ask you to enter your password from an
email!!!! Always type in the URL (web address) manually when visiting these site, as
Browser Hijackers or worms may find a way into your Favorites Folder. By using steps 1
through 4, you should stay safe, but it is just common sense to make sure your Anti-virus
is updated and active.
Before you hire a contractor, make a major
purchase or embark on a life-changing endeavor, check out these resources to cover all
your bases - Knowledge IS Power - and always BUYER BEWARE!
Government & Consumer Watch Groups
Consumer watch groups are usually not-for-profit and created to keep the you
safe from scams, schemes and disreputable companies and or products. Most companies out
there are honest and decent people that are just trying to do the best job for a fair
price, but as seen too many times, that small percentage of bad ones can cause you much
trouble and woe.
The Better Business Bureau
The Better Business Bureau (BBB) system in the U.S. extends across the nation
coast-to-coast, and in Hawaii, Alaska, and Puerto Rico.It also has a partner BBB system
that serves much of Canada. In total, 145 BBBs help nearly 24 million consumers and
businesses each year. -->Since the founding of the first BBB in 1912, the BBB system
has proven that the majority of marketplace problems can be solved fairly through the use
of voluntary self-regulation and consumer education.
Colorado Attorney General's
Office
Consumer Protection Division -- Consumer Complaints
Before any action can be taken on a consumer complaint, the office must receive that
complaint in writing. To receive the complaint form, call the Colorado Consumer Line at
(800) 222-4444, or in the Denver metro area call (303) 866-5189. Click here to download the
complaint form. (.pdf file)
CPSC
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission is charged with protecting the public from
unreasonable risks of serious injury or death from more than 15,000 types of consumer
products under the agency's jurisdiction. Deaths, injuries and property damage from
consumer product incidents cost the nation more than $700 billion annually. The CPSC is
committed to protecting consumers and families from products that pose a fire, electrical,
chemical, or mechanical hazard or can injure children. The CPSC's work to ensure the
safety of consumer products - such as toys, cribs, power tools, cigarette lighters, and
household chemicals - contributed significantly to the 30 percent decline in the rate of
deaths and injuries associated with consumer products over the past 30 years.
Food & Drug Administration
The FDA is responsible for protecting the public health by assuring the safety, efficacy,
and security of human and veterinary drugs, biological products, medical devices, our
nation’s food supply, cosmetics, and products that emit radiation. The FDA is also
responsible for advancing the public health by helping to speed innovations that make
medicines and foods more effective, safer, and more affordable; and helping the public get
the accurate, science-based information they need to use medicines and foods to improve
their health.
Consumer Reports
ConsumerReports.org is published by Consumers Union, an independent, nonprofit testing and
information organization. Since 1936, CU's mission has been to test products, inform the
public and protect consumers. We are a comprehensive source for unbiased advice about
products and services, personal finance, health and nutrition, and other consumer
concerns. Colorado Lemon Law: http://www.carlemon.com/lemon/CO_law.html
The Insurance
Institute for Highway Safety
A nonprofit research and communications organization funded by auto insurers. For over 30
years the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has been a leader in finding out what
works and doesn't work to prevent motor vehicle crashes in the first place and reduce
injuries in the crashes that still occur. The Institute's research focuses on
countermeasures aimed at all three factors in motor vehicle crashes (human, vehicular, and
environmental) and on interventions that can occur before, during, and after crashes to
reduce losses. In 1992 the Vehicle
Research Center (VRC) was opened. This center, which includes a state-of-the-art crash
test facility, is the focus of most of the Institute's vehicle-related research. The
Institute's affiliate organization, the Highway Loss Data Institute, gathers, processes,
and publishes data on the ways in which insurance losses vary among different kinds of
vehicles.
JD Power &
Associates Consumer site
- Conducts research that is used by a variety of industries to improve product quality and
customer satisfaction.
- Bases research solely on responses from millions of consumers and business customers
worldwide.
- Displays product and service rankings that reflect the opinions of consumers.
Troubleshooter.com
Tom Martino's Troubleshooter site is a very good place to start to find companies
that perhaps have not been as ethical as they should. Keep in mind that the referral list
is made up of companies that have paid to be listed. They are certified and checked out by
the Troubleshooter staff, but no the less, paid advertisers.
Additional Resources
Colorado's No-Call List site: http://www.coloradonocall.com/
National No-Call List site: http://www.donotcall.gov
Reduce Your Risk of Identity Theft! Check your credit report regularly:
EQUIFAX - http://www.equifax.com
EXPERIAN - http://www.experian.com
TRANS UNION - http://www.tuc.com
Moving Companies - US Department of
Transportation
Make sure your moving company is licensed with the DOT. Always ask the mover for his DOT
number; to check his record call the nearest DOT office. If they give you ANY grief about
this - DO NOT hire them!!!!
To assist consumers moving across State lines (Interstate), FMCSA has
developed a special section of
their Web site. If you experience a problem with your mover, you can file a complaint
by calling FMCSA's 24-hour toll-free hotline (888) 368-7238 or online at www.1-888-dot-saft.com.
Checking Out A Charity or Non-Profit Agency:
Charitywatch.org (American Institute of
Philanthropy)
Charity Navigator (America's premiere
independent charity evaluator)
GuideStar (national database of U.S. charitable
organizations)
Give.org (BBB Wise Giving Alliance)
Media Resources
Colorado, as well as most other states is fortunate to have television and radio stations
that feature consumer beats. They can be very effective ways to resolve issues between
consumers and companies without having to go to small claims court.
Troubleshooter.com
Tom Martino is featured on KOA radio, syndicated nationally, as well as the
consumer reporter on Denver's Fox31 TV. He goes after and deals with "shady"
businesses and usually gets pretty good results.
The
Investigators
Tony Kovaleski and John Ferrugia -- tackle stories that uncover fraud, corruption, and
cover-ups. You can contact the Investigators at (303) 832-TIPS (8477). Or send them an
e-mail. Do you have a story that needs to be told? Want to Do Something About it? Email the Investigators!
I-Team & 9 Wants to Know
Paula Woodward, Ward Lucas, Deborah Sherman & Chip Yost head the investigative team at
9 News. Consumer Beat with Mark Kobrich
If you have consumer resources you would like to suggest, please contact usvia our contact page, and we will
review them.
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