Fraud Victim launches Consumer Protection Web Portal

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(Free-Press-Release.com) April 1, 2008 -- TAMPA BAY, Fla. (April 1, 2008) –Tampa Bay-based Click First Services LLC recently launched a first-of-its kind web portal that provides consumers valuable anti-fraud information and a searchable database of local businesses that have undergone authenticity background checks.

“At ClickFirst.com, we pre-screen each participating business to ensure it’s legit,” said Jim Merrick, CEO, Click First. “Those that pass our stringent verification process get listed in the website’s Consumer Advocate Network (C-A-N), which let’s consumers post feedback about their personal purchasing experiences with the businesses.”

Merrick explained the feedback option provides the real-life information many consumers have come to rely on when making purchase decisions. The option is similar to the social networking found on other popular websites, such as the lodging and travel-focused TripAdvisor.com.

But Merrick points out that ClickFirst.com provides a unique advantage over resources like TripAdvisor. “When making more than one purchase decision, consumers can search for and visit several singularly-focused websites; or just ClickFirst.com – where the variety of reviewable businesses is endless.”

ClickFirst.com’s comprehensive approach also extends to the consumer protection resources it provides. Not only do C-A-N businesses post advice and tips on how to avoid deceptive business practices, but the website is continually updated with product/service information and buying/investing tips from government and industry experts. In addition, real-time product recalls, fraud alerts and general victim assistance information is also readily available.

According to a Federal Trade Commission survey, approximately 13.5 percent of U.S. adults – 30.2 million consumers – fall victim to fraud in a given year. In 2006, Merrick was one of those victims; losing tens of thousands of dollars in a real estate scam concocted by a now infamous a Tampa Bay con-artist.

Merrick’s experience – combined with his realization that there was not a one-stop resource for consumer protection information – is what inspired him to pool together several local investors (including infomercial celebrity Billy Mays) to form the rapidly growing, consumer-focused company.

About Click First Services LLC

Click First Services is the innovator of a comprehensive, first-of-its kind consumer fraud protection web portal, www.ClickFirst.com; which empowers purchasers of goods and services (free of charge) with the information they need to identify local, reputable businesses and avoid scams and other deceptive practices. For more information visit www.ClickFirst.com, email info@ClickFirst.com or call (727) 233-7389.

PRESS CONTACT: Jay McGee, (813) 287-2501, ext. 221

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