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Usa.gov issues its latest consumer handbook, tips

It’s true! You really can get something for nothing!

And while this little something-for-nothing is simply a 174-page booklet printed by the U.S. General Services Administration, its value is absolutely priceless — I consider it the Mother Lode of really-and-truly free gifts.

That prize is the 2008 Consumer Action Handbook, which I just received Wednesday. You can get yours in both Spanish and English by viewing it online at usa.gov, where you also can order a print edition if you wish.

Already praised by the AARP, this book is a compendium of some of the best advice you’ll ever find in one place — again, at no cost. Not only that, it includes dozens of pages of corporate consumer contact phone numbers, which is a literal treasure trove in itself.

It also includes 13 “Quick Consumer Tips” at the front of the book, which I’m reprinting here almost verbatim. For the rest of the information, go online. No tip of the week this week — the list, the usa.gov URL and this handbook are all you need.

As a savvy consumer, usa.gov says, you should always be on the alert for shady deals and scams. To protect yourself, keep these things in mind:

1. A deal that sounds too good to be true usually is, from credit problems to low-interest credit cards to other types of so-called “risk-free” business offers, investments and job opportunities.

2. Extended warranties or service contracts are rarely worth what you pay for. See page 2 of this booklet before you say yes.

3. Say no to credit insurance offers. Often offered with credit cards, car loans and home mortgages, it is almost always better to purchase regular property, life or disability insurance.

4. There is no universal three-day cooling-off period. Don’t be misled into thinking you have an automatic three days to cancel a contract. Only a few types of contracts give you a right to cancel.

5. Think twice before sharing personal information. Check the handbook before you let loose of anything private.

6. Beware of payday and tax refund loans. Interest rates on these loans are usually excessive. Even a high-interest cash advance on a credit card could be a better option.

7. Not all plastic cards offer the same protections. Your liability for unauthorized use of a card on your debit card may be much higher than the $50 maximum on your credit card.

8. Real estate agents represent the seller, not the buyer. When buying, consider hiring an agent or lawyer who represents you.

9. Home improvement and auto repairs are the subject of frequent complaints. Second opinions are especially important when you are dealing with a repair service you do not know.

10. Think twice before you rent-to-own. Interest rates on rent-to-own purchases can be very high — and, if you miss a payment you could end up with nothing. Consider other options such as buying second-hand at a thrift shop or through ads in the local newspaper.

11. Don’t buy under stress. Research suggests that senior citizens, people in crisis, college students, business owners, minorities and immigrants are especially at risk of being victimized. Avoid making big-ticket purchases during times of stress.

12. Be cautious of Buy Here, Pay Here lots. If you decide to buy a car from a used car lot, be sure to read all of the papers before you sign. Don’t sign contracts that allow the dealership to change the finance rate AFTER you leave the lot.

13. Work-at-Home ads usually don’t pay off. Be especially wary of ads that promise huge annual salaries; they often require expensive upfront fees with no guarantee. You risk losing your money and wasting a lot of time and energy.