| Buying
Have you heard
of the phrase the customer is always right, well in order for
the customer to be always right in todays marketplace, he/she
needs to be well informed. This includes understanding your rights
as a consumer and practicing responsible management of your financial
and personal information. It is the responsibility of the consumer
to become aware of all relevant information when purchasing goods
and services, so remember to ask questions, and only proceed when
you are completely comfortable with your purchase.
What To Know Before Buying
Dont let anyone pressure into purchasing anything. If a sales
person is trying to make you buy something, simply walk away
or hang up.
When making expensive purchases
give yourself a day or two so that you can be sure you are comfortable
with your purchase.
Take advantage of sales, but
always compare prices. If a purchase sounds too good to be true,
it probably is.
In supermarkets, use the unit
pricing information to compare the real cost of items in different
sizes of boxes or containers.
Ask about extra charges for delivery,
installation, service, postage and handling, etc. Add all these
expenses to the total cost.
Ask or check whether a company
is licensed or registered with your province or territory- especially
home repair or driveway contractors.
Contact the Better Business Bureau
or their association to check for complaints recorded against
a company.
Only do business over the phone
and internet with companies that are either well known or that
you trust.
Do not rely on salespersons
promises; get everything in writing.
Do not sign a document, contract
or warranty that you do not understand.
Measure price and quality.
Understand guarantees and warranties.
Comparison shop, and make sure
to compare with similar items.
Know if what you are purchasing
meets your needs.
Know and understand what youre
signing, whether it is
a contract or service agreement .
If
you have doubts about your purchase ask yourself:
Is this a need or a want?
What is the items real price?
Is this a good deal or can I purchase
this item for a lower price?
Is this too good of a deal; could
it be a scam?
Is this item safe to use?
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What To Do After Buying
Read and follow product and service instructions.
Read the warranty; understand
what it covers and for how long.
Be aware that the way you use
and take care of a product may affect your warranty rights.
Keep all sales receipts, warranties
service contracts, and instructions.
If you have a problem, contact
the company as soon as possible. You might void the warranty
if you to fix something yourself or take the product to an unauthorized
service centre.
Keep a written record of any
contact with the company.
If needed, check with your provincial
or territorial consumer protection office to find out about
your rights.
Make a complaint if youre not
satisfied and follow up.
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How To Shop Safely Online
The
internet offers many convenient ways of purchasing goods and services.
It starts with the benefit of location (you can shop from home),
delivery, and hours of availability. However, it does have some
risks. Here are some tips to help you navigate safely.
Shop with companies you know.
Their contact information should be clearly posted on the site.
Research the merchant if you are not familiar with them.
Find out a companys refund and
return policy before you make any purchases. These should be
posted on the website.
Calculate and add up all costs,
including shipping and handling charges, taxes and customs duty.
Keep a record. Make sure you
print and keep a copy of your purchase order and confirmation
number.
Check the merchants privacy
policy; it should be posted on the website. Pay attention to
what information the company gathers, how its used and with
whom it is shared.
Install firewall, anti-virus,
anti-spyware and security software-Make sure to update often.
When disposing of hard drives,
use overwrite software or destroy the drive.
Make sure that your computer,
as well as the merchant you are dealing with, can provide a
secure transaction. Before you enter your credit card number
or other sensitive data, look for a website address that starts
with https:// (the s
indicates a secure connection), and a closed padlock or unbroken
key icon on your screen. If you dont see them, or if you see
an open padlock or broken key icon, your transaction is not
being transmitted securely.
Always make sure that that URL
is legitimate. To find out it is open a new browser window and
type the URL into the address field watching that the actual
URL of the site you visit does not change and is still the one
you intend to visit. If still unsure, forward spam that is phishing
for information to www.stopspamhere.ca
and to the financial institution or company impersonating
in the phishing email. Most organizations have information on
their websites about where to report problems.
Keep your passwords in a secure
place, and out of plain view. Do not share your password with
anyone on the internet, over the phone, or via email.
Never
give your password to your internet service provider (ISP) -
they do not need it and they should never ask for it. In addition,
hackers may try to figure out your passwords to gain access
to your computer. To make it tough on the hacker make sure your
password has at least six or more characters that include numbers
and/or symbols.
Make sure to change your password
regularly (minimum every 90 days) and try not using the same
password for all your online accounts.
Above all use common sense. If
in the off-line world you wouldnt give sensitive information
to someone you know nothing about, theres no reason to do it
online.
If uncomfortable with online
shopping, the solution is simple - dont do it. Many online
stores also have a toll free number.
Do your comparison shopping,
get all the information you need and then make your purchase.
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Terms
you should know before going online:
A hacker: is
a person who uses the internet to access computers without permission.
A spamer: is
someone who sends mass amounts of unwanted unsolicited commercial
email.
A virus: is
a software that spreads from computer to computer and can damage
files and/or disrupt your system.
Phishing - tricks
you into divulging your personal information so the operators
can steal your identity and run up bills or commit crimes in
your name. Dont be taken in; never reply to, or click on, links
in emails or pop-ups that ask for personal information.
URL: is an acronym
for "Uniform Resource Locator, this provides the internet web
address.
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What
To Know About Scam Artists
Scammers are becoming more sophisticated and aim to con us
all. Deceptive premium rate competition scams, bogus sweepstakes
and lotteries, get-rich quick schemes, and fake health cures are
some of the favoured means of separating the unwary from their
money.
Scam
artists succeed because- we unintentionally allow them:
They tend to catch you unaware; they contact you without you
asking them to by phone, e-mail, post or in person.
The scam artist tends to sound
pleasant, polite and well spoken either on the phone or in person.
He/She has a very professional
flyer, leaflet and letters to convince you of their legitimacy.
He/She is persistent and persuasive.
He/She rushes you into making
a decision.
Will ask you to send money before
you receive their tempting offer.
The
scammer will offer you something for nothing such as:
You will be informed that you won a major prize in a draw or
lottery.
An exclusive entry to a scheme
that is a surefire way to make money.
A way to earn easy money by helping
them get untold millions out of their country.
The chance to join an investment
scheme that will make you huge amounts of money.
They
will ask you to:
Send money up front - an administration fee or tax, the list
is endless but it's always a gimmick to get you to give them
money.
Give them your bank account,
credit card or other personal details .
Call a 900 number.
Buy something to get your prize.
Send your money to a PO Box.
Not tell anyone about the deal.
They
will lie to you and give you what seem to be good reasons why
you should do what they say. They will answer all of your questions/objections.
Don't send any money or give any personal details to anyone until
you've checked that they are genuine, and talked to a professional
or family and friends.
If they ask you to do any of these things they're trying to cover
their tracks and get your money and it's likely to be a rip off.
Regardless of the amount of money you have lost, it is important
to report it. Use the following link to report any scams you come
across: RCMP Scams Fraud: www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/scams/index_e.htm
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How
to Protect Your Privacy
To
protect your privacy, you can request that your name be removed
from mailing/calling lists:
If you do not want mail:
To reduce unwanted mail register, free, with the Mailing Preference
Service, or call 0845 703 4599. Registering will make it easier
for you to spot a scam in your mail. If in doubt, throw the letter
away.
If
you do not want a phone call:
To reduce unwanted sales calls register your telephone number
free with the Telephone Preference Service (TPS). Call 0845 070
0707. Many telephone companies also offer Number Blocking Services.
It blocks callers from the UK and Channel Islands who withhold
their number. You can bar all calls to premium rate services and/or
international rate numbers as well. But if in doubt, hang up.
If
you do not want to be text messaged:
You cannot be charged for receiving a text unless you sign up
to a service.
If you are signed up to a text message service that you don't
want, text the word STOP - and the service has to end immediately.
To reduce unwanted sales text messages register your details with
the TPS (see above). If in doubt, don't reply.
If
you do not want to be emailed:
Use anti-virus software and a firewall. Keep them up-to-date.
Also, don't email personal or financial information. Be cautious
opening any attachment or downloading any files from emails you
receive, regardless of sender. These files can contain viruses
or other software that can weaken your computer's security.
If in doubt, don't reply.
Privacy
and Governments in Canada
The 1983 federal Privacy Act puts limits and obligations on over
150 federal government departments and agencies on the collection,
use and disclosure of personal information. It also gives Canadians
the right to find out what personal information the federal government
has about them by making a formal request under the Privacy Act.
Principles of Fair Information
PIPEDA establishes ten principles that government organizations
must follow when collecting, using and disclosing personal information
in the course of commercial activity.
1. accountability
2. identifying purpose
3. consent
4. limiting collection
5. limiting use, disclosure and retention
6. accuracy
7. safeguards
8. openness
9. individual access
10. challenging compliance
Privacy
Complaints
The Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada has the authority
to investigate complaints. Consumers can complain to the Privacy
Commissioner of Canada about violations, and the Commissioner
can start his own investigation without waiting for a complaint.
To find out more, visit www.privcom.gc.ca
The legislation varies from province to province, but the general
right to access and correct personal information exists in all
of them, and each province has a commissioner or ombudsman who
is authorized to handle complaints. To find an ombudsman agency
visit; www.ombudsmanforum.ca
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How
to Protect Yourself Against Identity Theft
Now
more than ever your personal information should be guarded as
it can help thieves to commit fraud or a crime.
Never give personal information
by phone, Internet or mail unless you initiate the contact.
Be careful about sharing personal
information and don't give out more than you need to.
Shield your PIN, and never lend
cards to anyone.
Immediately report missing credit
or debit cards.
Carry only the ID you need (photocopy
your ID and carry the copies and leave the originals at home).
Put other ID documents (SIN, birth
certificate, and passport) in a safe place. To replace ID cards
like your health card, driver's license, or Social Insurance Number
(SIN) card, call 1-800 O Canada.
Shred documents with personal information.
SIN is only for employment and
tax reporting.
Ask about the security of your
information at work, with businesses and charities.
Signs
you may be a victim of identity theft:
Purchases not made by you appear
on your monthly bills.
Bills arrive on accounts you don't
own (Contact Canada Post if your mail is missing).
Collection agency call about unknown
debt.
Credit card/bank statements don't
arrive.
Your credit report shows mystery
debts
To
help you out with Identity Theft or Fraud, Capital One has provided
some tips to safeguard your identity and credit.
Identity theft is a very personal crime that occurs when someone
uses information such as your name, social insurance number (SIN),
credit card number or other identifying personal information to
commit fraud. Identity theft is the fastest growing form of consumer
fraud in North America. From 2002-2006 there were 54,920 identity
theft victims reported to PhoneBusters the Canadian Anti-Fraud
Call Centre totaling $77.4 million in losses. That is an average
of 10,984 victims reported per year.
In
the wrong hands, basic information can begin the process of identity
theft.
Education and awareness are critical to guarding against identity
theft and fraud.
Capital One offers the following tips and resources to help empower
Canadians to stay ahead of the threat and slam the door on would-be
fraudsters!
Top
Five Tips To Prevent ID Theft And Fraud
1. Review your credit report at least once a year and be sure
to review your bank and credit card statements regularly for accuracy/suspicious
activity.
2. Shred personal information such as receipts, tax information,
credit card/bank statements, insurance/medical information, etc.,
to keep dumpster divers at bay.
3. Protect your social insurance number (SIN) do not carry your
SIN card and only give out your number when absolutely necessary.
4. Protect your credit card using simple measures such as signing
the back of the card, closing unused accounts, placing passwords
on new or existing accounts and being vigilant when purchases
are being processed to avoid mishandling of card.
5. Safeguard your personal information do not share or disclose
your PIN number(s), hold your mail if away from home on travel,
secure your belongings (purses/wallets) in public places, avoid
storing financial information on your PC and update your virus
protection regularly.
Five
Key Steps To Take Immediately If You Are A Victim
1. Call the two national credit bureaus and request that a fraud
warning or alert be placed on your credit file and request copies
of your credit report for review. Equifax: 1-866-779-6440 and
Trans Union: 1-877-525-3823 (Quebec residents: 1-877-713-3393).
2. File a police report and request a copy of the report or case
number. Banks and creditors often need proof of a crime to erase
debts created by identity theft.
3. Contact all creditors to alert them of your situation so that
new accounts are not approved or opened in your name by impostors.
4. Protect your bank accounts by cancelling ABM cards that are
compromised in any way, requesting stop payments on stolen cheques
and adding a password to accounts.
5. Contact PhoneBusters National Call Centre to report the crime.
Contact Phone Busters at 1-888-495-8501 or phonebusters.com
For
more information and resources on identity theft and to download
the Identity
Theft Guide for Victims please visit Capital Ones web site at
www.capitalone.ca.
Source Capital One
Consumer Quiz
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