Jodie Bernstein patrols the Web for the Federal Trade Commission, looking for swindlers and snake-oil salesmen. At 74, she's part John Wayne, part Jessica Tandy -- and all business.
- Watch the watchwords. If you see words like "miracle," "secret ingredient," "scientific breakthrough," "can't miss," "easy money," "guaranteed profits," and other hyperventilated phrases, you're probably facing a sham. If you're pelted with CAPITAL LETTERS, your best bet is to RUN FAST!!!
- Protect your private information. Don't disclose your credit-card number, Social Security number, telephone number, or address unless you know precisely who's asking for it and how that person is going to use it.
- Do not download files sent from strangers. The files could contain a virus, hijack your modem, or otherwise wreak havoc on your computer.
- When you buy items in an online auction, pay with a credit card. For all of the fear associated with credit-card theft, the FTC advises that credit cards give you the greatest protection if something goes wrong. If the seller doesn't accept them, consider using an escrow service.
- Never give your password to anyone. That includes your Internet-service provider.
- Pay attention. If you purchase items online, make sure that those items are delivered and that your credit card is charged the proper amount.
- When in doubt, check it out. If an offer sounds suspicious, check with your local Better Business Bureau and your state attorney general's office.
- Use your common sense. If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
For more consumer protection tips, visit the Federal Trade Commission on the Web (www.ftc.gov), or check out the federal government's consumer-protection portal (www.ftc.gov/ftc/consumer.htm).
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