As a consumer, you have many rights, but you also have responsibilities. Some of these are required by law, while others are simply precautions you can take to protect yourself from financial loss, disappointment, or, in some cases, fraud.

Do your homework first.

If you're purchasing a product or service from a company, you've never used before, do some research to see what other customers think. There are numerous review magazines, websites, and online forums that can assist, but be wary of fake reviews.

Analyze your payment methods.

The degree of protection you have in the event that something goes wrong with your purchase will depend on how you paid (credit/debit card, cash, or check).

Take reasonable steps to inspect, try on, or examine the item before purchasing it.

It may be impossible to inspect goods until you receive them but try to inspect your purchase as soon as possible so that you can take prompt action if the goods are not of satisfactory quality, fit for purpose, or as described.

A receipt is not the only way to prove purchase, but it is the most convenient.

Make a habit of keeping your receipts, especially now that you know you have rights for up to six years after purchase, if goods are expected to last that long.

How to Recognize a Scam.

When you see certain signs, you should be concerned. Be wary of the following situations at all times:

• If you are contacted unexpectedly by a company.

• If you have been asked for personal or bank information.

• If you aren't given enough time to make a decision or you feel pressured to make one right away.

• If you're asked to pay anything up-front, and the only contact details are a mobile number and a PO box address.

• If you're asked to pay anything up-front and the only contact details is a mobile number and a PO box address.

• If a caller calls you repeatedly and keeps you on the line for a long time.

• If you're asked to keep quiet.

Banks, building societies, utility companies, lotteries, law enforcement, and statutory bodies will never:

• Request payment in vouchers.

• Request that you transfer money to a different account over the phone.

• Request any part of your pin code.

• Request that your computer or mobile device be accessed remotely.

• In exchange for a 'free gift,' a 'admin fee,' or as part of a promotion, you may be asked for money.

• Threatening to have you arrested over the phone, in writing, or via email if you don't pay a charge.

• Request that you go to the bank or building society to transfer funds.

When in doubt, use the 'scam' test:

S - seems too good to be true

C - contacted out of the blue

A - asked for personal details

M - money is requested

Always read and follow the instructions that come with the products you buy.

Your consumer rights may be nullified if you don't accomplish this or take care of their routine maintenance.

Avoid attempting to repair items you've purchased yourself if they later develop a flaw because doing so will void your consumer rights.

Immediately cease using the disputed item and inform the trader.

Complaining about a product or service.

• Check that you have good grounds for complaining, that you understand your consumer rights, and that you understand the trader's complaints handling process.

• Communicate in a calm, assertive, and polite manner. This may imply spending some time ahead of time planning what you want to say.

• Clearly describe the circumstances and, if possible, make a legal reference.

• Be prepared to engage with the trader to find a more workable solution while outlining what you would like done to resolve the matter.

• Keep a record of all conversations, emails, and other communication related to your issue if it cannot be resolved right away. Make a note of the names, dates, and times of the people you spoke with while attempting to have your complaint resolved.

• If your complaint is not being addressed, you may need to escalate it to someone higher up in the company, possibly at the corporate level. At this point, it is best to put your complaint in writing, and if your first letter does not receive a response (within, say, 14 days), send a second letter via recorded delivery so you have proof that it was received.