Top Ten Tips—

Teens Should Enter The Workforce Prepared, Protected

by Jerry Farrell, Jr

Commissioner of Consumer Protection

Over the next few months, thousands of young people will enter the workforce for the first time. Whether it is a part-time job at a local convenience store, or their first step up the career ladder after graduation, the responsibilities involved in earning a paycheck do not end at the workplace door. As young people begin to flex their financial muscles, families should encourage them to ask questions, do their “homework,” and speak up for themselves in the market place.

Here are ten helpful tips for young people to help avoid common consumer pitfalls:

1. Keep your personal information to yourself. Protect your passwords, guard your credit card number, shred sensitive paperwork, and do not leave your mail where it might tempt a potential identity thief.

2. Socialize safely online. Social networking sites can expose you to people with less than friendly intentions. Consider restricting access to your page. Post only information that you are comfortable with the whole world knowing, because once it is posted, you cannot take it back. Do not post your full name, Social Security number, address, phone number, or bank and credit card account numbers. Be cautious about posting the name of your school, sports team, clubs, and where you work or hang out. Trust your instincts and report any suspicions to the host website and the police.

3. Sign up for the National Do Not Call Registry. Visit www.donotcall.gov and register your phone number (cellphones, too) with this free service to avoid getting telemarketing calls.

4. Stay away from “guarantees” of scholarships. Reputable groups do not charge for information about scholarships. Steer clear of anyone “guaranteeing” you financial aid for college or vocational school — especially if they insist you pay them for the information first.

5. Do not use bogus weight loss products. Good health is not about a number on a scale. It is about cultivating a positive attitude, enjoying a variety of foods, and staying fit and active. Pass on any product that promises easy or effortless weight loss and focus on healthy habits that will last a lifetime instead.

6. Understand how credit works. Credit is more than just a plastic card; it is part of your financial future. Learn the basics about getting and using credit at www.ftc.gov/gettingcredit. Falling behind in your credit payments now will come back to haunt you later, when you try to buy a car, get an apartment, or even land your next job. Once you have established credit, get a free copy of your credit report at www.annualcreditreport.com.

7. P2P file-sharing can be risky. Person-to-person file-sharing can open the door to unwanted content, spyware, and viruses. If you decide to use file-sharing software, install it carefully. Otherwise, you might give strangers access to more than the files you intended to share, including information on your hard drive. Remember that sharing copyrighted music or other entertainment via P2P can land you in legal hot water.

8. Beware of travel scams. Who doesn’t dream of relaxing in the sun, surfing the perfect wave, or snowboarding on some mountain? Scam artists target students looking for low-cost vacations. Before you show up at the airport with your sunscreen, review the tour package carefully and investigate the operator. Check out www.ftc.gov/travel for more travel tips.

9. Do not get caught in a phishing scam. You have probably already received e-mails claiming to be from your bank or Internet Service Provider asking you to “verify” your credit card or checking account number. Delete these messages! They are from thieves phishing for your information. Never give out your personal information in response to an e-mail. When in doubt, check it out by calling your bank or Internet company directly. Visit www.onguardonline.gov to learn more.

10. Some employment services are frauds! While actual job placement services can help launch your career, some bogus companies are only out to separate you from your hard-earned money. Before paying any someone to help you land a job or a modeling gig, check out who you are doing business with. Call the Department of Consumer Protection at 800-842-2649 or your local Better Business Bureau to learn more about the employment or modeling agency that you are considering.

Great resources for all kinds of consumer information are the Department of Consumer Protection website, www.ct.gov/dcp and the Federal Trade Commission website, www.ftc.gov.

Jerry Farrell, Jr, appointed in 2006 by Governor Rell as Connecticut’s Commissioner of Consumer Protection, is an attorney with 15 years experience. Important information about consumer issues can be found on the department’s website: www.ct.gov/dcp.