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It's
sometimes hard to tell if a sales pitch is legitimate or fraudulent. You
can't judge it by the tone of someone's voice, or how friendly or
sincere the person seems. Good salespeople are convincing, and so are
crooks. But it's probably a scam if:
You get a call or postcard from someone telling you you've won a
prize and asking for payment to buy something, for processing or
administrative fees, for customs, for taxes, or any other reason.
Legitimate sweepstakes or prize offer do not ask for payment because
it's illegal.
The person says you have to take the offer immediately or you'll
miss the opportunity. Legitimate companies do not pressure people to act
without time to look into the deal.
The caller refuses to send you written information before you commit
to anything. Legitimate companies are always glad to send you
information about what the are offering.
The caller claims that you can make huge profits in an investment
with no risk. All investments are risky and legitimate companies must
tell consumers about possible risk.
The caller claims that you can make huge profits through a franchise
or other business opportunity with little or no effort. All business
ventures require knowledge and effort on the part of buyers, and no
legitimate companies would guarantee profits.
The caller is asking for a donation but won't tell you exactly how
the money will be used and how you can verify the charity and what it
does. Legitimate charities are willing to say what percent of
contributions is used for services and how much goes to overhead and
fundraising. They are also willing to tell consumers who they can check
with to confirm that they are legitimate.
The caller insists that you send your payment by a private courier
or wire money. Legitimate companies don't try to keep people from
checking the deal out and changing their minds, or try to evade the
postal authorities, by demanding immediate payment by courier or wire.
The company asks for cash.
The caller asks for your social security number. Legitimate
companies don't ask for that unless you are applying for credit and they
need to check your credit report.
The caller asks for your credit card number, bank account number, or
other financial information when you aren't buying anything or paying
with those accounts.
The company calls you relentlessly or after you've asked not to be
called.
The company offers you a loan, or credit, or a credit card, or to
"repair" your bad credit if you pay an up-front fee.
The company offers to get back money that you have lost to another
fraudulent scheme if you pay an up-front fee.
For additional information and tips to protect yourself click here:
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