My Number One Consumer Tip
— -- I’ve been a consumer and investigative reporter for 20+ years and in that time I’ve seen it all. What I’ve noticed is that even though the products and the pushers change, the scams and rip-offs stay the same. And so does the advice. As I write this I’m waiting backstage at "The Dr. Oz Show" to do a story about questionable weight-loss supplements marketed to consumers via in-your-face spam emails and pop-up ads.
C’mon, do legitimate companies ever really advertise their products in spam emails? No way.
So here’s my number one piece of consumer advice, applicable in this situation and every other: “Be the hunter, not the hunted.” Huh? I know, I’ve gone all Darwinistic on you, but here’s what I mean: Do business with companies that you research and seek out, not companies that come after you. The advice has remained the same since the first consumer investigation I ever did at WFLA in Tampa years ago.
That investigation was about carpet cleaning coupons. You know, the “4 rooms for $20” sort of thing. They stick them under your door. In other words, they are hunting YOU! The coupons are just tools to get them into your home, where they then try to upsell you with all sorts of intimidating tactics. Instead use the all-powerful Internet to find a carpet cleaning company with good reviews. Be the hunter, not the hunted!
Other consumer reporters repeat the old adages, “If it sounds too good to be true, it probably isn’t.” Another favorite, “Use your common sense.” But if common sense were so common, would they really need to say it? I’ll stick with mine. Be the hunter, not the hunted and you will be a killer consumer.
Opinions expressed in this column are solely those of the author.
Elisabeth Leamy is a 20-year consumer advocate for programs such as "Good Morning America" and "The Dr. Oz Show." She is the author of Save BIG and The Savvy Consumer. Elisabeth is also a professional speaker, delivering talks nationwide on saving money, media relations, and career success. Elisabeth receives her best story tips from readers, so please connect with her via Facebook, Twitter or her website, to share your ideas.
