What is the best way to protect myself against consumer fraud?
The best way to protect yourself against consumer fraud in Washington is to become informed and stay vigilant. Start by familiarizing yourself with the Washington Consumer Protection Act, which is the main law that protects consumers against deceptive business practices. Learn about your rights as a consumer and how to identify and report possible fraud. Keep track of all the accounts you have and regularly check to ensure that they’re accurate. Monitor your financial statements, credit reports and other accounts to look for any suspicious activity. This includes looking out for charges that you don’t recognize, sudden changes to your credit score and any other suspicious activity related to your accounts. Additionally, you should always keep an eye out for scams. Be wary of unsolicited offers that sound too good to be true. If someone is offering a “free” service or promising a large, immediate return on investment, be very cautious. Before doing business with anyone, be sure to do your due diligence and research them, especially if they’re asking for money. Finally, never give out your personal information, such as your Social Security number or bank account information, to anyone over the phone or online. Only provide your information to companies or individuals you know and trust.
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