This year, the DC Villages are piloting a new partnership with Consumers’ Checkbook to offer free online access to the Checkbook’s ratings and advice on local service providers. As part of this partnership, Consumers’ Checkbook has shared a helpful article on common customer service scams and how you can protect yourself. Read on about how to avoid scams and how to take advantage of this new membership benefit.

New year, new scams. Plan to be more vigilant.
Customer service scams come in many variations, but they all have a few things in common. Look for these red flags:

• The representative doesn’t know anything about your account.
• They ask for personal information that is not needed to handle your problem, such as a credit card or Social Security number.
• They say you need to pay money to have your problem resolved.
• They want remote access to your computer or smartphone in order to solve your problem.

How can you protect yourself from Customer Service Scams? Learn more from Consumers’ Checkbook.

Free benefit available to all Village Members!
Consumers’ Checkbook is a nonprofit providing ratings and advice on local services providers. Checkbook needs your insight to become an even more reliable resource for consumers. In return they will give you access to all of their online ratings, undercover price research, and expert advice.

Village members can receive one year of free online access to Consumers' Checkbook after submitting just one rating of a local business.  This could include any service provider that you’ve used previously, such as a doctor, contractor, or auto repair service provider.  If you’d like to take advantage of this new member benefit, please contact the village office at info@nnvdc.org or 202-935-6060. Members have until February 17, 2023 to sign up for this offer.

P.S. As always, NNV members can contact the office to request referrals for a plumber, home care provider, and everything in between. Simply call us with your request at 202-935-6060 or send us an email at info@nnvdc.org.