|
|
 |
|
|
|
| Read more:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| •
|
Pawn shops charge very high interest for loans based on the value of tangible assets (such as jewelry or other valuable items). |
| •
|
Rent-to-own programs offer an opportunity to obtain home entertainment systems or appliances for a small weekly or monthly fee. However, the amount paid for the item usually far exceeds the cost if the item were bought on credit. |
|
|
 Back
To Top
|
|
|
|
| Warning signs |
| •
|
High-pressure sales techniques. |
| •
|
Insistence on an immediate action. |
| •
|
Offers that sound too good to be true. |
| •
|
A request for your credit card number for any purpose other than to make a purchase. |
| •
|
An offer to get your money quickly (e.g. pay for overnight mail, send someone to your home or office to pick it up). |
| •
|
A statement that a product or service is free, followed by a request that you pay for something. |
| •
|
Claims of an investment that is 'without risk'. |
| •
|
Inability or refusal to provide written information or references about the company, product, service or investment. |
| •
|
Suggestions that you should make purchases or investment based on 'trust'. |
|
| How to avoid becoming a victim |
| •
|
Don't be pushed into a decision. |
| •
|
Request written information about organization and product or investment. |
| •
|
Don't buy anything on terms that you don't fully understand. |
| •
|
Request the name of the government body by/with whom the firm is regulated or registered. |
| •
|
Investigate the company or organization. |
| •
|
Find out about refund, return and cancellation policies. |
| •
|
Don't believe testimonials you can't verify. |
| •
|
Don't provide any personal financial information. |
| •
|
If you must, hang up! |
|
|
| Back
To Top |
|
Foreign scams
These may involve a letter or phone call about a foreign investment that is 'too good to be true'.
Telemarketing scams
Commonly include sweepstakes, prize offers, travel packages, investments, charities, work-at-home schemes, magazine sales, lotteries and business opportunities.
Automatic debit scams
Fraudulent telemarketers use this technique to improperly take money from accounts. DO NOT give out account information over the phone unless you are familiar with the company.
Magazine subscription scams
Beware of telephone sales pitches for 'free', 'prepaid' or 'special' magazine subscription offers.
Toll-free scams
Make sure the calls are really free.
Prepaid phone card scams
Selling prepaid calling cards may involve a multi-level marketing scam with a large up-front fee.
Online and high tech scams
Common Internet scams are pyramid schemes, Internet- related services, equipment sales, business opportunities and work-at-home offers. |
|
| Back
To Top |
|
|
|
| What they are? |
| •
|
Promotions that use deceptively advertised prizes |
|
| What to watch for? |
| •
|
Offers or notices announcing 'fabulous' prizes (often used to attract customers to sales meetings for land, or for vacation 'timesharing'.) |
| •
|
High-pressure sales techniques. |
|
| How to avoid becoming a victim? |
| •
|
Consider any purchase carefully before signing a contract. |
| •
|
لDon't be deceived by letters that look official or urgent. |
| •
|
Read the letter carefully. |
| •
|
Think before you attend a sales meeting. |
| •
|
If you attend a sales meeting, don't sign a contract or give a salesperson a deposit right away. |
| •
|
Find out about the seller's reputation. |
| •
|
If a salesperson makes claims that aren't in the contract, don't sign the contract. |
|
|
| Back
To Top |
|
You see schemes advertised in the local paper saying you can make earnings doing easy work at home, in your free time. These schemes are commonly advertised as:
| •
|
Envelope stuffing |
| •
|
Assembly or craft work |
| •
|
Reading books |
| •
|
Processing emails |
|
|
| To avoid becoming a victim, find out |
| •
|
What task you will be required to perform. |
| •
|
If you will be paid on salary or commission. |
| •
|
Who will pay you. |
| •
|
When and how you will get paid. |
| •
|
The total cost of the work-at-home program (such as how much you will have to pay to get the materials). |
| •
|
The company's reputation. |
|
|
| Back
To Top |
|
|
|
|
