ABC-13 shows you about how to background who to hire and how to find recalled products

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- Want investigative tips to lift the veil on people you hire and the products you buy?

You can do some investigative reporting yourself, right from home. And you should. Because you might uncover some of the bad guys and it may help you from being scammed out of your hard earned money.

Are you hiring a contractor, plumber, electrician, looking for a place to live?

Go to the website at this link.

It's the Greater Houston and South Texas Better Business Bureau. They rate all kinds of businesses and list complaints filed against them. Some businesses get an 'A+.' They are probably worth a call. Others get an 'F' or aren't rated at all.

On those, maybe look around some more.

You can also file complaints against business there too.

Another research tool is the search engine supplied by the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

Search on this link for products that have been recalled.

It lists items from strollers to space heaters to scuba gear.

Just last week a kids hoodie was recalled due to a strangulation hazard. Check your child's closet!

If you have questions, contact us through our website at or contact our investigative producer Trent Seibert at trent.seibert@abc.com.