Look Out!

900 numbers

Contest cons

• 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 being a victim

• Consider any purchase carefully before signing a contract.
• Don't be deceived by letters that look official or urgent.
• Read the letter carefully.
• Think carefully 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.