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Consumer
Advisories
Don't
Sign Up for a "Scam"
Prize
Giveaways May Expose You to Scams or Unwanted Solicitations.
Summer is Fair time -- a prime time for people to run into
chances to sign up for free vacations and other prize giveaways.
It also is prime time to exercise caution. Don't sign up for
a "scam"!
Most people realize that their chances of winning a prize
aren't that great, but they think there's no harm and it's
worth a try. Most people DON'T realize that their chances
are very GOOD to be contacted by con-artists or to receive
other unwanted solicitations. There are many legitimate prize
drawings, but you must be careful.
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are some of the bad things that can happen with free-prize
sign-ups -- and some tips to help you avoid being cheated:
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You
may be put on a list for a phony prize scheme. The classic
example of this is the vacation sign-up. You may hear nothing
until next winter, when a phone call says you are the "winner"
of a tantalizing "island cruise" -- if you will
only send several hundred dollars in advance for "processing
fees" or some other expense. They take your money,
but you get no vacation: It's a scam. Never send money in
advance to collect a so-called "prize!"
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You
may unknowingly have your telephone long distance "slammed"
or switched to a different long distance company (which
could be far more expensive than your chosen service.) Study
both sides of any entry form to be sure there is no "fine
print" that authorizes a change in your long distance
service. And always watch your phone bills: Some totally
unscrupulous companies will "slam" (switch) your
long distance service with no permission whatsoever.
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You
may be inviting unwanted solicitations. Prize entry blanks
are devices to build lists of consumers. You can expect
solicitations by mail, telephone or even at your door. Your
name may be bought and sold by numerous list brokers --
honest businesses or con-artists.
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You
may be asked for private financial information. Don't give
out credit card or checking account information. You may
also want to keep private your social security number, date
of birth, marital status, household income, and occupation.
Be
careful of sign-ups at fairs, vacation shows, conventions, theaters,
restaurants, malls. If you have a complaint or question, contact
the Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division, Hoover
Building, Des Moines, Iowa 50319. Phone 515-281-5926.
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