It’s your job to complain, complain, complain

It's important for boomer consumers to file complaints when they're unable to resolve issues with companies.

It can help you recover money, and it helps the economy to work better because companies get accurate feedback about their products and services.

Here are some typical consumer complaints, and tips for what you can do to avoid them.

• Cell phones, long distance carriers, and telephone companies. Compare the plans of cell phone and long distance companies and understand the terms of service before you sign up. Let your local telephone company know if the service it provides isn't up to par.

• Identity theft. If you get a call supposedly from your bank or credit card company and are told there's been trouble with the database, be wary. When you're asked for your account number, don't give it. Identity thieves also work the Internet. They’ll “phish,” send you an official looking e-mail complete with your credit card company logo asking you to update your account information. Don’t fall for the trick.

• Internet service providers and electronic shopping. Watch out for spam. Scam artists are getting more clever. Delete spam e-mail.

• Predatory lending. If you're going to refinance your home, be sure you compare offers and understand the contract. Some 50-plus boomers have signed up for an interest rate that starts out at 1.9 percent for six month, goes up to 7.9 percent for six months, then skyrockets to 30 percent. With late fees and overdrafts, mature adults have lost their homes.

• Retail sales. Always understand the layaway and return policies. Keep your receipts.

• Auto sales. Do research. Get help. Negotiate. Skip the extended warranty.

• Collections. Know the rules on when you and other people can be contacted and if you must pay additional charges for collections.

• Contractors. Make sure the contractor you select is reliable, is licensed, and has a bond that hasn’t been depleted.

• Credit card issuers. Be sure to read and understand the terms of your agreement. Make complaints about billing in writing.

• Auto repairs. Find a reliable company. Be sure to get an estimate.

If you're unable to resolve a consumer complaint, go to the Web site of the National Association of Attorneys General to see if a state agency in your state will help you resolve the compliant.

You can also file complaints with the Better Business Bureau. You’ll be asked for your zip code to find the local office in your area, which will handle your complaint.

The Federal Trade Commission accepts consumer complaints. However, it doesn’t work to resolve your complaint, but collects complaints and uses them as the basis for lawsuits.

If you want to file a complaint about an unsafe product, contact the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

See my post of Feb. 17, 2008, for tips on how to file a complaint about an airline. You can click on Airlines in the listing to the left.