As the Direct Selling Education Foundation celebrates our 40th anniversary, we also celebrate 40 years of standing up for consumers and championing ethical entrepreneurship. Since our earliest days, we have supported consumer rights across the globe through our work with leading consumer advocacy groups, educators and public policy leaders. For fifteen years, our support of the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW), has been a key component of these efforts.
NCPW is a coordinated campaign among federal and state government and non-profit partner organizations that encourages consumers nationwide to take full advantage of their consumer rights and make better-informed decisions. Each year during NCPW, the FTC and its partners offers a wide range of free events and resources on topics like finances, health, privacy, technology, and much more.
In celebration of NCPW 2013, DSEF created this page to showcase a selection of FTC and DSEF resources to help you navigate common consumer issues that you face every day. You can find even more valuable tips and information at www.ncpw.gov. All of us at DSEF hope you’ll take advantage of the wealth of information available on this page, and we encourage you to share these resources with your friends, family and colleagues.
Sincerely,
Charles. L. Orr
Executive Director
Direct Selling Education Foundation
Below you’ll find links to a variety of free resources offered by the Federal Trade Commission and its partners during National Consumer Protection Week to help you become a better-informed consumer.
Five Tips for Safe Mobile Banking
Banking through your phone or tablet is quick and convenient, but don’t forget these five tips to help keep your money—and identity—safe. >>more
Misused Checking Accounts
Federal law doesn’t limit your loss if a thief forges your signature on your checks or uses your account number to buy something by phone. >>more
Consumer Privacy
Reread your privacy policy to make sure you’re honoring the promises you’ve pledged. >>more
Marketing Your Mobile App: Get It Right from the Start
Here are some general guidelines that all app developers should consider. >>more
A Quick Guide for Consumers on Credit, Debit, and Prepaid Cards
What’s the difference? >>more
Extended Warranties and Service Contracts
If you’re buying a car, an electronic device, or a major appliance, you may be offered the chance to buy an “extended warranty” or service contract. >>more
10 Ways to Avoid Frauds
Scam artists in the U.S. and around the world defraud millions of people each year. >>more
Basic Response Steps for Victims of Identity Theft
Consumers should respond quickly if they suspect or know that they are a victim of identity theft. Responding quickly may minimize the damage. >>more
Dealing with Debt Collectors
If you’re behind on payments, you’ll probably be hearing from debt collectors. >>more
Filing for Bankruptcy
If you plan to file for bankruptcy protection, you must get credit counseling from a government-approved organization within 180 days before you file. >>more
Manage Your Debt
Use these tools to learn more about credit scores, managing credit and ultimately making better financial decisions. >>more
Buying Prescription Medicine On-Line
Things to do and things NOT to do. >>more
Consumer Guide to Beauty Salons and Spas
How to be sure your salon or spa follows safe practices. >>more
Protecting Your Computers from Hackers
Here are some simple, yet very important steps you can take to help prevent hackers from taking over your computer and personal information. >>more
Tips for Using Public Wi-Fi Networks
Wi-Fi hotspots in coffee shops, libraries, airports, hotels, universities, and other public places are convenient, but they’re often not secure. >>more
Avoiding Mortgage Modification Scams and Foreclosure Rescue Scams
Homeowners struggling to make payments on their mortgages should beware of con artists and scams that promise to save their homes. >>more
Hiring and Working with a Home Improvement Contractor
Consumer tips from the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection. >>more Back to top
Charity Scams
If you’re thinking about giving to a charity, do your research to avoid fraudsters who try to take advantage of your generosity. >>more
Family Emergency Scams
Scammers may pose as relatives or friends, calling or sending messages to urge you to wire money immediately. >>more
Ethical conduct is at the heart of good business decisions, and DSEF created a series of videos to demonstrate the direct selling industry’s commitment to ethics. By adhering to the Direct Selling Association Code of Ethics, direct selling companies protects both the interests of consumers and sellers.
What is direct selling? Let us show you what an ethical opportunity is all about!
What is direct selling? (en Español)
Learn more about what the DSA code is, and why ethical companies comply.
Any claims a direct seller makes about a product must be truthful.
Meet a direct seller who is learning to navigate the DSA’s Code of Ethics.
Learn about the buy-back policy that all DSA member companies adhere to.
Learn how the “cooling off period” protects consumers from buyer’s remorse.
When recruiting someone into a direct selling opportunity, be honest.
DSEF and the Credit Union National Association teamed up to provide informative videos that help small business owners safeguard against fraud.
5 key principles to keep in mind when collecting and storing customer data.> >>more
Don’t make a costly mistake! Find out how to spot the differences between a legitimate business model and a pyramid scheme. >>more
Choosing a business wisely is a huge part of your ultimate success. How do you know what is legitimate and what is not? >>more
