Many consumers own both credit and debit cards, but may not know when to use one or the other. Because there are differences in how debit and credit cards are processed, here are 4 scenarios for when to use a credit card over a debit card.

1. Shopping Online:

BBB receives thousands of complaints every year from consumers who purchase items online and never receive them. Federal regulation generally requires an item to be delivered within 30 days, but using a debit card will make a refund more difficult to get. A credit card will allow you to dispute the charge, if it is more than $50, up to 60 days from the purchase date and give you a better chance of getting your money back.

2. Paying Deposits Upfront:

Many contracts for home improvement projects or subscription services require down payments followed by regularly scheduled payments. Many times scammers try to take these deposits and disappear so using a credit card will allow you to recoup those lost funds.

3. Setting Up Automatic Payments:

Service providers such as gyms, cell phone companies, cable providers and utility services offer consumers the option of setting up automatic deductions on their account. The goal is for you to never forget to make a payment, but billing mistakes can be made by a company’s computer system causing you to pay more. Instead of money coming directly from your bank account with a debit card, you can catch the mistake on your credit card bill and without money ever leaving your account.

4. Planning Travel Arrangements:

Most consumers book hotels and/or rental cars well in advance, but they can place holds or deposits on your account for hundreds of dollars as a security deposit. If you use a debit card, this money will be taken out of your account immediately and you run the risk of over drafting if you are not careful. Using a credit card however can make this additional charge unnoticeable for at least 30 days and give you time to cancel should your travel plans change.

All too often, common sense seems to fly out the window when faced with an adorable animal, but buying a pet is a long-term investment. As with any other purchase, the more you know before you buy, the better off you will be. Before buying a pet this holiday season, Better Business Bureau of Southern Arizona reminds you to do your research.

Since January, BBB has received close to 500 complaints nationally against dog breeders. Most allege that the puppies developed severe illnesses or, in some cases, passed away shortly after purchase. Additionally, some consumers allege they were misled about the dog’s breed or pedigree.

Before making the leap and adding a furry friend to your family this holiday season, consider the following tips:

• Find a responsible breeder. You can find responsible breeders by asking for referrals from your veterinarian or trusted friends or by contacting local breed clubs. Visit bbb.org to see the BBB Business Review of any dog breeder you are considering.
• Visit the premises and ask to see the parents. Responsible breeders provide a loving and healthy environment for their canine companions, one that they will be proud to show you. Before bringing your puppy home, ask to see his or her parents and the living area where he or she was born and raised.

• Ask for references. Ask the breeder for contact information of people who have bought puppies in the past. Talk to people who have had their dog for a while in order to check for issues that may not be immediately apparent.
• Avoid buying a puppy online. If you cannot meet the breeder and the animal before making the purchase, it is very likely to be a scam. Especially if the so-called breeder or seller asks for money up front and/or payment via wire transfer.

• Read contracts thoroughly. If the seller offers a health guarantee, make sure it is in writing. Read it carefully for limits and proof requirements. Guarantees should cover more than a few weeks or days, since it can take weeks for symptoms to appear.
• Ask for medical records. Get a written account of all medical care your puppy has received, including vaccinations and antibiotics. Take this record to your vet during the first examination, which should happen within a couple days of bringing your puppy home.
• Keep your puppy quarantined. If you already have pets, keep them separated from your new puppy until it is given a clean bill of health.

Consumers who let down their guard during the hectic holiday season can easily fall prey to scammers poised to pounce on careless or overburdened shoppers, Better Business Bureau of Southern Arizona warns.

BBB has identified five common scams that consumers should watch out for during the holidays, whether they’re shopping online, juggling packages at the mall or simply reading their email.

“While the rest of us are checking off items on our gift lists, scammers are blowing the dust off of their tried and true holiday scams,” said Kim States, BBB President. “By being vigilant, consumers can help turn holiday scams into ghosts of Christmases past.”

1. Online shopping scams: Everyone loves a great deal, but some websites offer electronics or luxury goods at prices that are too good to be true. Every holiday season, BBB hears from holiday shoppers who paid for a “great deal” online, but received little or nothing in return.

BBB advice: Always look for the BBB logo when shopping online and click on it to confirm that it is legitimate. If you’re shopping on sites that aren’t household names, check out their BBB Business Reviews at www.tucson.bbb.org. Confirm that the company has a physical address and telephone number.

2. Nabbing the season’s hottest toys and gadgets online: When stores sell out, you may find the items online at sites like Craigslist or eBay— but for a much steeper price.  Some sellers will take your money and run, leaving you without the gift or money to buy it elsewhere.

BBB Advice: If you shop Craigslist, look for local sellers and conduct transactions in person. Bring a friend if you’re uncomfortable meeting the seller alone. Never wire money as payment. If you’re shopping on auctions like eBay, research sellers extensively and don’t buy if the deal sounds too good to be true.

3. Identity theft at the mall: While you’re struggling with bags of presents, identity thieves may see an opportunity to steal your wallet or look over your shoulder to copy your debit or credit card numbers.

BBB Advice: Don’t let yourself get bogged down in purchases or lose track of your wallet. Know where your credit and debit cards are at all times and cover the keypad when entering your pin number while purchasing items or getting money from an ATM. Make sure you put your card back in your wallet after each purchase.

4. Bogus charitable pleas: The holidays are a time of giving, and that creates an opportunity for scammers to solicit donations to line their own pockets. Beware of solicitations from charities that don’t necessarily deliver on their promises or are ill-equipped to carry through on their plans. Resist demands for on-the-spot donations.

BBB Advice: Always research charities with BBB before you give to see if the charity meets BBB’s 20 Standards for Charity Accountability. Up-to-date reports on local and national charities are available at www.bbb.org/charity.

5. Phishing emails: Phishing emails are a common way for hackers to get at your personal information or break into your computer. Around the holidays, beware of e-cards and messages pretending to be from companies like UPS or Fedex with links to package tracking information.

BBB Advice: Don’t click on any links or open any attachments to emails until you have confirmed that they are not malicious. Email addresses that don’t match up, typos and grammatical mistakes are common red flags of a malicious phishing email. Also beware of unsolicited emails from companies with which you have no association. Make sure you have current antivirus software and that all security patches have been installed on the computer.

For more advice on being a savvy consumer this holiday season or to find BBB Business Reviews of businesses or charities, call (520)888-5353 or visit www.tucson.bbb.org.