I’m sure you’ve seen the news reports this week about the outbreak of swine flu in Mexico and that it has been confirmed in the U.S., in at least 11 states. Janet Napolitano, the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, has declared a public heath emergency.

Anytime there is a global headline of a pandemic or emergency it attracts attention and people want as much information as possible to protect their families. Scammers know this and prey on these emotions to lure you into becoming a victim.

Schemes could be in the form of malware or spyware that gets downloaded onto your computer when you open an email about swine flu or it could be someone trying to scam you out of spending money to protect yourself. There are scammers selling a “Swine Flu Survival Guide” document and online pharmacies selling “swine flu vaccines.”

Don’t become a victim:

Avoid opening email from an unknown source and do not click any links in the body of an email or open any attachments. Be safe – just delete it!

Make sure your anti-virus and anti-spyware software is up-to-date and all operating system security patches have been installed.

Don’t believe online offers for vaccinations against swine flu, if you have symptoms, call your doctor.

Always rely on trusted sources for information such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Posts are at: www.cdc.gov/swineflu.

Always do business with BBB Accredited Businesses, search our Accredited Business Directory.

Fears of a pandemic are not new to us, if you remember in 2003 an outbreak of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) occurred, and in 2006 bird flu was a concern. Hopefully this too shall pass and we will rely on the experts to decide what we need to do to prepare if it does not. In the meantime, make sure to exercise extreme caution on the internet or in your inbox relating to swine flu.

Each day I talk to consumers who have dealt with a company that they now have a problem with and need the BBBs assistance to resolve.  In fact, the first three months of 2009 the BBB of Utah has seen a 35% increase in complaints versus the first three months of 2008. 

I wish I could turn back the clock for these consumers and teach them how to research companies, so they wouldn’t have a complaint.  While research doesn’t eliminate all problems (companies do go out of business at the drop of a hat, new companies are started and there is no background, and issues happen with reputable companies!), however, usually there is something in the background research that should send up a red flag.

Here are a few basics to help consumers (and businesses) to research companies prior to doing business with them.

1. If you are seeking a product or service, try to get three prices (comparing apples to apples).  This goes for carpet cleaning, finishing your basement, or hiring a company to help train you how to start a business on the Internet.

2. If the company provides you with a price and says it is only good for one day (or even two or three days) walk away.  A reputable company will allow you time to research and make sure that the deal they are offering is the best deal for you.  A less reputable company will want to take your money right away so you can’t change your mind.

3. Check out the company through the BBB.  Go to www.bbb.org and enter the company’s name into the search field.  If you don’t find anything check out the phone number and even the web address.  Sometimes companies have multiple names, phone numbers and websites.  Search our Accredited Business Directory.

4. Use a search engine on the Internet, for instance Google or Yahoo.  Enter in the name of the company.  Search through the results looking for information that might influence your decision.  Enter the name of the company in quotes and enter complaints after it.  Does other information come up?  Enter the phone number of the company and see what comes up.  Keep in mind you can’t believe everything you read on the Internet!
   
   
5. If you only have a website check the registration of that website through a whois site – www.betterwhois.com is a good place to start.  This site may direct you to another domain registrar.  All domains must be registered, but companies can hide the information.  If the company is hiding the information you should find out why (perhaps it is a home address?) by asking the company.  Make sure the information for the domain registry is essentially the same as on the website (address, phone numbers, etc.).  Some companies have a web designer register the site – ask if it doesn’t match.

6. Do not believe promises for huge earnings.  If a company is promising you that you’ll make all your money back (after paying thousands of dollars up front), you need to decide whether or not you can lose the money you would be paying, PRIOR to doing business with the company.  Look at the guarantee and see if it is achievable.  If you have to complete their program, can you complete it (are the goals something that can be achieved)? Do not put thousands of dollars on your credit card that you cannot pay back tomorrow, thinking that you’ll make it back using their program.  Not everyone can make the money back and usually refunds are not received.

7. Find out where the company is located and make sure they are properly registered and licensed.  Most states require that a company register their company name (incorporate, limited liability or sole proprietorship), with the Secretary of State or Commerce Department.  Utah’s search page is located here: https://secure.utah.gov/bes/action/index.  Local business licensing is also important.  In Utah each city has business licensing and every business is required to be licensed whether they are mowing lawns, selling door-to-door, or have a retail store.  You should contact city hall in the city where the business is located to see if the company has a business license.  Other licenses may also be needed, so checking with www.Utah.gov/business may be helpful.

8. Don’t be afraid to ask the company questions.  And always remember, you have the choice which company you choose, so it is your obligation to ask questions.  Ask what you should do if you have a problem, what the refund policy is of the company, for references (if necessary) and of course for details in writing.  Always read every document the company asks you to sign.  You are bound to a contract you sign.  If you are not satisfied with the language do not sign. Never sign a blank contract.

9. Never pay online with a debit card or give out your bank account information to a company that you do not know (having dealt with them before).  Using a debit card or giving your checking account number could result in your account being overdrawn, if the company withdraws more than you thought they were going to.  Not all people are ethical, so protect yourself.  Using a credit card gives you a level of protection, you can dispute the charge.

10. Finally, if it sounds too good to be true – it is!  Walk away quickly and don’t look back.  Don’t let friends, neighbors or relatives talk you into something that seems too good.  Do your own research so you feel comfortable.