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The first week of March is National Consumer Protection Week, a time dedicated to raising awareness about your rights as a consumer and how you can protect yourself whether you’re shopping online, navigating contracts, or simply making everyday financial decisions.

Understanding Your Consumer Rights

As a consumer, you are entitled to certain rights that protect you from unfair practices. Federal and state laws enforce these protections, which cover a wide range of industries from banking to retail. Examples include the right to have clear and accurate information before you make a purchase and the right to a refund or replacement if a product is defective. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is a valuable resource for learning more about your rights as a consumer. Their website offers helpful guidelines and even steps to take if you’re a victim of fraud.

How Federal and State Governments Protect Consumers

Federal agencies, like the FTC, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), and the U.S. Department of Justice, have rules in place to prevent deceptive advertising, fraudulent practices, and identity theft. Each state also has its own consumer protection agency, which may offer more specific guidelines or help with local issues. When you’re uncertain about your rights or feel that you’ve been wronged by a business, these agencies can assist in resolving disputes and holding companies accountable.

Protect Yourself with Safe Shopping Practices

In this digital age, shopping online has become more convenient than ever. The ability to search for almost any item in moments and the ease of having that item delivered directly to your door make it a must for many busy people. But online shopping comes with its own risks. Always make sure that the website you’re buying from is reputable. Look for “https://” in the URL (think “s” for “safe) to ensure the site is secure, and read reviews to make sure the seller is legitimate.

This same caution should be taken when shopping for items through social media. Be wary of deceptive ads, where the enticing offer may seem too good to be true. Look for the same "https://" if you are taken to a site off the social media platform, as well as a lock symbol where the URL will be. This symbol means that your information is encrypted when making your purchase.

Whether you are shopping online or in person, be cautious about any sales that seem too good to be true and deals that require immediate action or involve pressure to make quick decisions. Knowledge of your rights means you can take a step back and think things through before committing to anything.

Spot and Avoid Scams

Scams are an unfortunate reality, but being aware of common tactics can help you protect yourself. Watch out for phishing emails or phone calls that seem to come from legitimate companies but ask for sensitive information. Fraudsters may also use fake websites or offer unrealistic prizes to lure you in. Smishing scams involve deceptive text messages from an unknown number, often claiming to be from a reputable business like an online shopping site or shipping carrier. These messages often include a link that asks you to enter personal information to verify account details, claim a package, or avoid cancelation of a service. Quishing scams are a newer tactic, in which scammers send QR codes through emails, texts, or social media posts that, when scanned, lead to malicious websites or malware. 

If something seems off, trust your instincts. The FTC and Better Business Bureau (BBB) are excellent resources for researching and reporting scams so you can stay ahead of potential threats.

Why This Knowledge Matters

National Consumer Protection Week is a great time to refresh your knowledge. Being aware of your consumer rights, protection resources, and how to spot scams is not just about avoiding bad situations. It’s about empowering yourself in every transaction you make – whether you are buying a new car, booking a vacation, shopping online, or signing a contract for a new service. When you’re informed, you have the confidence to ask questions, avoid pitfalls, and ensure that you are treated fairly.

At American Heritage, protecting your security is always our priority. If you believe you have ever been the victim of any suspected fraud on your American Heritage accounts, contact us immediately.