Being a well-informed consumer is your best protection in today's marketplace. That means becoming informed about purchases, understanding your rights as a consumer and managing your private financial and personal information responsibly.

The sections that follow cover a wide range of topics. While no book can address every issue, there is enough information here for you to educate yourself about proper and improper business practices and how to make smart consumer decisions. Review these tips and remember that, while situations vary, your approach should always remain the same: be informed, ask questions and proceed only when you are completely comfortable with your purchase. "Buyer beware" is still the best advice to any consumer considering any purchase of goods or services.