Mr. Watchdog

Don't get excited about lower gas prices

Well, there appears to be some good news from the economic downturn -- gas prices should drop.

In the Midlands, they've already come off averages of near $3 a few weeks ago to fall to $2.88, according to AAA data. (Update: I've spotted some prices in Columbia in the $2.70s as of Friday. The metro average was $2.86.)

And prices should continue sliding as crude futures, which wholesalers and station owners use as a gauge, have fallen early this week along with the stock market. (Update: Oil prices did rise later in the week.)

Still, drivers have little to cheer.

Many South Carolinians were paying less than $2 a gallon for gas a year ago. The average Midlands gallon costs 89 cents more than last year, or an extra $13.35 to fill-up a 15-gallon tank.

Think this isn't a big issue? The Bush Administration is now even admitting that higher gas prices are starting to hurt the economy.

You can thank jittery traders who have boosted oil prices past $100 a barrel of fears of everything from Middle East conflicts (take your pick -- Iran, Iraq, Israel) to rising world demand (again take your pick -- China, India, Russia).

Gas price guru Tom Kloza of the Oil Price Information Service said pump averages could drop by a dime or two soon.

That would put gas prices in the high $2.60s in these parts -- or a third higher than a year ago. Yipee.

Using your smarts

I'm convinced being a savvy shopper -- whether it's for a suit coat or a coat of paint -- comes from research.

It can be as simple as quickly asking a few friends and relatives for advice and as involved as hours of scouring the Web for information and opinion.

Armed with knowledge, you can ask the right questions and narrow the choices - turning a daunting task into a manageable one.

For five years at my former job as a consumer columnist, I asked experts and heard from readers about how they avoided costly mistakes. I look forward to sharing what I have gathered as well as sharing new tips and information to help you make smarter buying decisions and avoid scams.

Here are my basics:

Check it out

Buying something from an unfamiliar store, looking for someone to fix your home or car, considering an investment? Check with the consumer-watchdog agencies. In this region, these include the Better Business Bureau, the S.C. Department of Consumer Affairs and the S.C. Attorney General's office. I'll get into specifics about these agencies in later posts. At the least, Google a business to see what you find.

Take a deep breath

You're told an offer is for a "limited time" or you're under the gun because of family or work pressures. Stop. Think.  A few hours or even days strip away the tension and can allow you to make a clear choice. And if something is available for a "limited time," it's likely to be around later.

Walk away

If someone is selling a $500 item on eBay for $150; is willing to make a home repair for $5,000 less than the other bids you received; is insisting a discount offer ends when you hang up; or is saying you can having a loan or credit card for a upfront fee -- you should just say "no" to what looks like a great deal.

Don't get greedy

You get mailings from foreign lotteries promising thousands in exchange for small administrative fee or a buyer sends you a check for twice the sale amount and offers a small reward for cashing it and returning the remainder. Or if you're offered a chance to work at home for hundreds a week with little effort or investments that promise returns. No matter -- don't let dollar signs cloud your judgment.

Be suspicious

An e-mail from you bank. A phone call from your doctor's office or credit card issuer. A guy at your door claiming to be from the power company. They all come out of the blue and all seek some personal information. Stop, say nothing and check if it's legit. Call your bank's customer service number from the officials Web site or the phone book. Call you doctor's office or card company. Ask for ID from anyone at your door and get a number to call to verify that workers are in your neighborhood.

Guard your Social Security number

After a theft, you can get new credit cards and checking accounts. But you cannot get a new your Social Security number -- used to apply for credit cards, bank accounts, mortgages, car loans, driver's licenses, etc. Don't carry your Social Security card in your wallet. Don't have the number printed on your checks. Ask doctor's offices and other businesses not to use the number as a main identifier. Whenever you're asked for the number, ask whether it's necessary to provide it, and, if it's required, how the number will be used.

Complain, gripe, shout

The only way to stop a business that doesn't fulfill its promises or breaks the law is tell someone. The cops. The state. The BBB. Me. Agencies typically won't take action unless they have numerous complaints about a business. You might be the first to be scammed by this person or the 50th. No one will know unless you take that extra step and complain. Don't be ashamed. You will be helping others.