What to do before lending an item to someone

You maintain your car, your tools, and other personal possessions to ensure proper working order. They’re there when you need them today and you take care of them to make sure they’re in good condition when you need them later.…

How to resist hard sales pitches

Salespeople typically offer products and services that may be of interest to the right audience. However, not all salespeople offer friendly, helpful purchase assistance. Some try to force people into purchasing items they may not need or want. Do you…

Winning prize a scam in disguise

Many people dream of winning a large sum of money from any source that offers it. Lotteries, sweepstakes, and raffles are just a few of the many potential sources of cash that could dramatically change a person’s life. Scammers are…

How to avoid undesirable video chat contacts

Communicating via video chat is a popular way for people stay connected, particularly for those across vast distances where in-person contact is difficult or impossible. It can be a much more rewarding experience than standard audio-only communication by allowing people…

How to control spam email

Spammers and scammers appreciate the value of their email distribution lists. Culled from a variety of sources including contest entries, request for information forms, business databases, and suppliers that specialize in consumer data warehousing, these lists represent the life’s blood…

How to limit access to your home address

Email and telephone calls are inexpensive ways for scammers to gain access to potential sources of revenue. While inexpensive cons are good for scammers on a budget, there are those with additional resources who realize the power of mail in…

How to keep your personal phone number private

Email accounts, social media, online stores and other businesses want your telephone number. It’s a security measure that allows them to send you warnings of potentially unauthorized use of your account and a way to reset your password when you…

How to make anonymous credit card purchases

There are many questions people should ask themselves when conducting business with strangers. Is the person honest? Is the business reputable? If I give my credit card information to the salesperson or type it into a website, will that person…

National Consumer Protection Week

This week is National Consumer Protection Week, a special time of the year when many organizations place heavy emphasis on enhancing public awareness regarding the deceptive practices of unscrupulous scoundrels. In support of this cause, Own Your Defense will release…