Consumer awareness and its need are very important subjects for everyone. It is necessary to protect individuals from scams, devious business practices, and fraud in just about every aspect of our lives. Various governmental agencies do try to protect the public from unscrupulous business by warning the public in various ways. And agencies like the Better Business Bureau allow individuals to
. check up on businesses and also to complain about businesses. What can you do as an individual to protect yourself? Before you sign a contract, purchase an item - especially a big-ticket item or anything with a long-term contract, take a prescription, hire a contractor, or just about anything, call the BBB, do an internet search, ask a lawyer for advice. Arm yourself with information and don't rush into any decisions. For more information about consumer awareness, see here http://usgovinfo.about.com/od/consumerawareness/Consumer_Awareness_and_Information.htm and here http://ezinearticles.com/?What-Do-You-Need-to-Know-About-Consumer-Awareness&id=82855.