TDCI Urges Tennessee Consumers To Have a Safe & Scam-Free Labor Day

NASHVILLE – The Labor Day holiday (Monday, Sept.2) marks the unofficial end of summer, making it the perfect opportunity for Tennessee consumers to enjoy a final getaway over the long weekend or attend an outdoor event with family and friends.

With a three-day weekend approaching, the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance’s divisions are sharing consumer tips to ensure your holiday is safe and scam-free.

Traveling

• Remember: Put it in park before setting up navigation, sending a text, or making a call. Tennessee is now a "Hands Free"  state which means it is illegal for the driver to hold a cellphone or mobile device with any part of their body.
• Before booking a vacation rental or hotel, research the company or travel agent you’re using. Make sure the reviews are positive and that the company is a trusted entity.
• Choose a hotel or rental that is equipped with smoke alarms and fire sprinklers.
• Be wary of last-minute vacation or hotel offers that seem unrealistically low. If it sounds too good to be true, it is likely a scam.
• When considering which payment method to use for your vacation rental, keep in mind that credit card companies provide more fraud protection than any other payment method.
• Before leaving home, double check with hotels and airlines that everything is booked with the correct dates.
• Be on the lookout for card skimmers. Gas stations, convenience centers, and ATMs are common places for thieves to hide card skimmers to glean your credit/debit card’s information. Before filling up or utilizing an ATM, examine the card reader. If there is a skimmer in place, a wiggle of the card reader should dislodge it.
• If you find or suspect a skimmer, cancel the transaction, ensure your safety, notify the cashier or ATM operating company, and report it to the local police immediately.
• Keep an eye out for fraudulent charges on bank statements and online accounts.
• Showing off your trip on social media is a fun way to engage your online audience, but it can also tip off a thief that your home is empty. Don't announce your trip in advance except to trusted friends. 

Outdoor Fire Safety

• If your Labor Day plans include a barbeque, remember to place the grill away from combustibles. If using a propane grill, check the connection between the propane tank and the fuel line before pushing the ignition switch.
• Ensure that lit citronella candles and torches are placed out of the reach of children and well away from flammable materials. Build campfires at least 15 feet away from tent walls, shrubs or other materials that burn. 
• Never leave your camping area without putting out your campfire.
• Never add lighter fluid to an already lit fire. The flame can flash back up into the container and explode.

Marina Safety

• If you’re visiting one of Tennessee’s lakes or marinas over Labor Day, remember to never swim within 100 yards of any freshwater marina or boatyard.
• Never use common household extension cords for providing shore power to your boat. Use, and encourage other boaters to use, shore power cords built to UL standards.
• If you are in the water and feel tingling, swim away from the dock, try to stay upright, and IMMEDIATELY head for shore at least 100 yards from the dock.
• All Tennessee public marinas and docks have been inspected through our Marina Inspection Program. Learn more about the program here.

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