The Internet can be a deceit-filled cauldron for on-line consumers.  Though there are plenty of reputable and reliable e-tailers and manufacturers on the net, don’t ignore that little voice in your head when it questions the veracity of a product’s claims.  One should always do a little research before leaping to buy that newfangled thingamajig.

Here’s a list of some sites to help you do your detective work:

• bbb.org – the old standby still gets the job done.  very good with local research.
• complaints.com – not always loaded with info but easy to use and you can strike gold.
• ripoffreport.com – has a very ‘America’s Most Wanted’ feel about it, if you go for that kind of thing.
• peoples-law.info – consumer law site will help you get after ‘em.
• consumerwebwatch.org – the folks at Consumer Reports take on web scams.
• consumerfraudreporting.org – ad-supported site that can aid you in everything from locating your local FBI office, to helping you avoid getting scammed by a psychic.

Also, there’s no trusting those those internet suffixes anymore.  The .org, net, info, etc designation does NOT necessarily indicate non-profit status. Plenty of sites are misrepresenting themselves for fun and profit.  Be careful out there.