The New Year is here and, because of the rough economy, it’s more important that ever to resolve to be a savvy consumer.  Better Business Bureau offers the following ten New Year’s resolutions to fight scammers, prevent identity theft and save money in 2010.

“Being a savvy consumer is ultimately about using money wisely and, in this tough economy, many families are quickly learning how important it is to squeeze as much value as possible out of a dollar,” said Andy Fisher, BBB spokesperson. “Creating a budget, researching businesses before you buy and staying away from scammers should be among everyone’s resolutions this year.”

BBB recommends the following New Year’s resolutions to become a savvier consumer in 2010:

1.    Beware of “job” offers to make easy money.

2.    Look for the BBB seal and always check a business out with BBB before you buy.  3.    Always read the fine print—especially for “free” trial offers.

4.    Keep your computer safe. If you haven’t already, install anti-virus software onto your computer and don’t forget to regularly check for software and operating system updates and patches.

5.    Never wire money to someone you don’t know.

6.    Fight identity theft.  Always shred paper documents that include sensitive financial data and dispose of computers, cell phones and digital data safely.

7.    Ask BBB for help. File a complaint with your BBB if you have a disagreement with a business or have been ripped off by a scammer.

8.    Create a budget and stick to it.  

9.    Fight fake check fraud.  Educate yourself on the common types of check fraud and be extremely wary of checks that come with claims that you’ve won the lottery, are eligible for a government grant or have landed a job as a secret shopper.

10.    Get everything in writing.

Officers Elected
The Better Business Bureau elected Bossier City businessmen Mark Montgomery as Chairman and Mark Porter as vice chairman at its Annual Meeting recently.

Other officers elected included Mary Craigo, Secretary-Treasurer; Larry Melancon, Past Chairman; Andrew Fisher, President/CEO; R.C. Hill, Executive Vice-President.

The BBB welcomed new board member, Eddie Faith, Shreveport Communications Service co.

Re-elected as Board of Directors for 2010 were: Dwayne Butler, Red Carpet Employment Agency, Texarkana; Jerry Frentress, Win-Win Motivation and More, Bossier City;  Larry Melancon, Capital One Bank, Shreveport; Charlie Thomas, GAP Broadcasting, Shreveport;  Mark Montgomery, Montgomery Realty and Development, Bossier City; Michael Madison, Cleco Power, Pineville; Lori Cheramie, A T & T, The Real Yellow Pages, Shreveport; Mark Porter, Porter’s Fine Dry Cleaning, Bossier City; David Smith, Homesecure Construction, Shreveport; Gerry Hedgecock, Heard, McElroy & Vestal, Shreveport; Mary Craigo, LeGrand and Associates, Shreveport.

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