Computers
Hiring a Contractor
Investment Fraud
Pest Control
Health/Fitness Clubs

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COMPUTERS

The Internet is becoming a big resource for no-cost user support. There?s other low-cost or no-cost ways to get help.

Consider a user group. Visiting a user group can put you in touch with people who can assist you with a wide range of computer problems. Bookstores carry a variety of computer manuals for virtually any computer product. Many of these books are structured in a question- and-answer format and are similar to the references used by the people who staff vendor telephone support lines.

Some computer companies offer computer bulletin boards and fax back services that allow users to choose from a menu of help files.

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HIRING A CONTRACTOR

It is extremely important to compare costs before making a financial commitment toward any home improvement project. Discuss bids in detail with each contractor, making certain you understand the reasons for any variations in price. Do not automatically choose the lowest price. Ask the remodeling contractor for local references in and find out if these customers were satisfied with the contractor?s work. If possible, visit and inspect their completed jobs.

Find out if the contractor is a member of a professional association that has standards or a code of ethics.

Ask the contractor if the company is insured against claims covering workers compensations, property damage, and personal liability in case of accidents. Finally, check with your state, country, or city housing authority to see if the contractor must meet certain licensing and/or bonding requirements in your area.

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INVESTMENT FRAUD

Fraudulent investment promoters are smooth talkers who claim to be resourceful when it comes to investment matters.

Among their lines: "We?re privy to inside information;" "We guarantee your investment;" "We?ll buy back the investment after a certain time." Among their tools; phony statistics, phony press releases, impressive looking charts and graphs.

You can protect yourself against investment fraud by taking your time before investing your money. Don?t be pressured into buying. Be wary if you hear "buy now or forever lose your opportunity to profit."

Also, research the opportunity thoroughly. Find out as much information as possible, and verify everything. Research the company?s reputation.

In addition, invest only in offers you know something about. Be skeptical about unsolicited phone calls and don?t believe everything you read.

Don?t send money by overnight delivery or wire transfer, or authorize a credit card

If in doubt, don?t part with your money. Seek professional advice.

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PEST CONTROL

In selecting a pest control company, always deal with a state licensed exterminator.

Before you sign a contract, be sure you fully understand the extent of service to be provided. If a guarantee is given know what if covers, how long it lasts and what kind of continuing prevention and control is necessary. Don?t hesitate to get bids from several pest control companies. Since you are paying for professional knowledge as well as skillful application of pesticides, look for someone whose judgment you can trust.

Watch out for uninvited, door-to-door sales people who may bring along frightening specimens and try to scare you into authorizing immediate and costly treatments to prevent the collapse of ceilings or floors.

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HEALTH/FITNESS CLUBS

The benefits of regular exercise are well proven. But choosing the wrong gym will thin your wallet, not your figure.

Shop around. Ask friends, co-workers and your physician for recommendations. Call several clubs to find one that matches your interests and budget. Memberships usually consist of an initiation fee followed by monthly payments.

Stay close to home. Make sure the hours and location are convenient.

Visit the club at the time of day you will use it. Talk to members and sales staff to determine the following: Are the equipment and exercise areas well maintained? Is the locker room clean? Is the facility overcrowded? Is the atmosphere friendly? Look for a club in which you feel comfortable. What are the qualifications of the staff? Do they have appropriate education and training? Do they take and interest and assist with individual goal and progress?

Carefully consider the contract. Stay away from clubs that pressure you to sign on the spot. Also, avoid any club that stonewalls if you ask to take the contract home to study it. It?s likely you?ll encounter various terms and sales tactics. Including prices that won?t stand still such as the "special" price bread on the day of your visit or an unspecified finance charge if you don?t pay the total cost immediately. Beware if the club asks for your credit card number or deposit check before you have read the contract.

Never sign up with a club that has not yet opened despite any special discounts. And make sure the club has met state bonding and licensing requirements.