How to become a 'defensive' consumer

4. Credit cards vs. debit cards
A credit card gives you better fraud protection than a debit card. Federal regulations spell out what the credit card company must do for you if you challenge a charge. This is not the case with a debit card.

If you pay with a credit card and the company doesn’t ship the merchandise, charges you too much, or the item is defective, you can contact your credit card company and have that charge taken off your bill while they investigate. You can’t always do that with a debit card. I don’t care what your bank tells you. I’ve heard the horror stories.

Some people tell me they’re afraid to use a credit card for telephone or online purchases. But that’s just what a credit card is designed for. If there’s a problem, the credit card company is required to deal with it. This doesn’t mean you can get careless. But credit cards are the safest way you can shop online or over the phone. Even so, do not buy anything by credit card, or any other means, from an unknown telephone solicitor or spammer. Or a door-to-door salesperson you did not ask to some to your door.

5. Best deal may cost more
Cheap is cheap. It’s not always good. Clearly, a higher price does not guarantee a better product or service. But a savvy consumer doesn’t base a decision to buy simply on price. With any significant purchase your goal should be value — good quality at a reasonable price.

What if the cheaper refrigerator is less reliable? It’s not only frustrating; those repair costs could really add up. Do you want a cordless phone that has good reception or the lowest price? Is that cheap paint going to last as long as the higher-priced brand? Saving money now could cost you more in the long run.

When it comes to home repair or remodeling, some people think they’re supposed to get estimates from a couple of contractors and pick the cheapest one. That’s not the goal. You want to find the plumber, electrician, or roofer who is qualified to do the job at a fair price.  Fly-by-night contractors offer incredibly low prices. But once your roof is off and they’ve split town, that super-low price doesn’t look so good.

6. Use your brain
People who get into trouble like to blame someone else. It’s only natural. I’ve heard them all. The Web site looked legitimate. The salesman on the phone sounded so nice. The pictures in the brochure made it look wonderful.

Yes, con artists are clever. They know how to push your buttons to get a response. But the fact is, in many cases, con artists couldn’t make a score without the consumer’s willing participation.

I’m not trying to blame the victim for the crime. But let’s be honest. If someone promises you a free loan and all you have to do is give him your credit card number, shouldn’t you figure out there’s something wrong here? Why would someone give me a free loan? If it’s free, why does he need my credit card number? What’s he going to do with this information?

Don’t say yes to any telemarketer who calls out of the blue. Don’t respond to postcards or letters from unknown companies that require an immediate response. And don’t get greedy! You didn’t win a contest or lottery you didn’t enter. You can’t get rich working part-time from home. And anyone who asks you to send them money so they can give you money is a crook!

One more important warning: No legitimate transaction involves getting a check or money order for more than the amount required with instructions to wire back the extra amount. This is the sure sign of a scam! You and you alone are responsible for any check or money order you deposit in your bank account. If you wire money to a stranger for any reason, you might as well say good-bye to it because it’s gone.

What to do if you get scammed
If you’ve been swindled by a con artist or disreputable company take the time to file complaints. Don’t be embarrassed. It’s important to do.

Contact the Better Business Bureau and your state Attorney General or Consumer Protection office. You can report consumer fraud to the National Fraud Information Center.

Filing a complaint may not get your problem resolved, but it may help prevent others from being taken. The BBB can give the company an unsatisfactory rating which will warn others. Government agencies can prosecute. Consumer complaints are one way they determine which companies to investigate. And if there is a settlement and your name is on the list, you might just get some money back.

Don't miss this on MSNBC.com Pass it on: Sons of infertile men may be next The eight biggest Olympic marketing debacles Reality show judges range from wise to wacko Cosmic Log: Is this your jetpack? Forget your inhibitions: World's sexiest islands

MORE FROM CONSUMERMAN

ConsumerMan Section Front

The scoop on return policies Giving charity gift cards It’s a ruby (in name only) Are holiday lights a hazard? The great rebate debate Clean clothes, stinky problem ConsumerMan Section Front   Add ConsumerMan headlines to your news reader: