SCAMS INFO

In this article we’re going to cover one of the most common types of fraud and unfortunately the easiest one to get away with.

How many times has this happened to you? You see an ad in the paper for something that’s on sale for a ridiculously low price. You rush down to the store to get this item before it’s gone and sure enough when you get there, no matter how early it is, the item is gone. And then after you find this out the salesperson says to you something like, “But we have one just as good over here.” Turns out the item is 4 times the cost and not as good. You’re angry enough to strangle someone. But ultimately you end up getting the other item because you don’t want the trip to be a total waste. This is known as the bait and switch and is one of the most common types of fraud.

The reason it is fraud is because the item in the paper never really existed. Oh, have a great time trying to prove that, because in most cases you can’t, but it’s fraud just the same. And it goes on everyday. The truth is, most of those too good to be true deals that you see in the paper are most likely going to turn out to be bait and switch items.

Probably the most common practitioners of this are car dealerships. Open up the paper and the ads are as large a whole page at times. And then you’ll see a car that normally sells for about $21,000 on sale for an insane price of $17,000. As your eyes are bugging out of your head you grab the paper so you can show the exact car you want to the sales person and rush out of the house like a bat out of hell. Then you get to the dealership, and most likely because of the ad the place is packed and you’re waiting an hour for someone to even wait on you, and then finally when you do get a hold of the sales person he regrets to inform you that the car has already been sold. Your jaw sinks to the floor but before you can turn to leave the sales person points to a model that is very similar to the car you wanted. He tells you about all the wonderful features and then you notice the price tag is about $20,000. While it’s less than what the model normally goes for it’s still nowhere close to what you were hoping to pay. But, because you don’t want the trip to be a total waste, you buy the car. The bait and switch worked like it does so many times.

There isn’t really a lot you can do about this. You can report it but most likely the dealership will have documents to prove that the original car in the ad was sold. Your best prevention of this type of fraud is just to be on the look out for it. If you see an ad in the newspaper that appears too good to be true then most likely it is.

Tags: bait and switch, fraudbait and switch, fraud

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Are writing contests worth your time and energy? If only there was a simple answer to this controversial question…

Although there are numerous legitimate contests for writers, unfortunately there also seems to be various questionable competitions developed to “scam” aspiring writers.

Many iniquitous individuals and/or crafty companies have capitalized on the naivete or desperation of beginning writers, who are so eager to get published that they are willing to pay outrageous fees to enter contests that “guarantee” they will get published or promise thousands of dollars in prizes…

The prize money pledged in some of these competitions may never actually exist. The so-called “contest sponsors” may never choose a winner and just continue to collect writing submissions and the cash of the unsuspecting “entrants.”

So how can you tell a hoax from a true contest?

There are some simple tips that may seem time-consuming and trivial, but can be well-worth your effort.

Look for annual contests that have a history and a list of previous winners.

Search for contests that list the judges - and then pick the ones that boast published authors, editors and/or agents.

Look for a contact name, address, phone number for future reference. (Like to request a list of winners etc…)

Try to find a deadline date for the contest and a date when winners will be announced.

Look for contests with no or minimal entry fees.

If you find a contest that requires an entry fee of more than $5 or $10 - read the fine print - find out what you’re getting for your money…

(For example, some legitimate contests may charge an entry fee and offer a critique of your work - whether you win or not - in return for your efforts and $$$.)

Carefully consider the value of the prizes. Are you willing to try to write 1,500 words about a topic you’re not familiar with - in order to have a chance at winning a $20 gift certificate or perhaps publication in some unknown journal?

Choose competitions that inspire you.

Pick contests that provide you personally with something worthwhile.

(This can mean different things to each writer… For example, if you recently experienced the loss of a loved one and you come across a contest that asks participants to pen their personal thoughts on how to deal with grief; and offers a non-monetary prizes - it may be “worth” it for inner-satisfaction.)

Winning a contest sponsored by a reputable publication (like Writer’s Digest for example…) can certainly provide the break you needed to become a respected published writer.

Carefully weigh the cost(s) - both monetary and creatively - to you with the potential results - whether winning money or recognition.

And last, but not least, try to make entering writing contests something that you do for fun - not perceived fame or instant riches!

To find more tips on entering contests and related warnings about scams targeting writers, read articles by other writers - like -

Make the Contest Cut

Literary Contest Caution

Poetry Contest Scams and Rip-offs

Scam Alert

and Scam Kit

On This Page http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art1821.asp

Tags: contests, frauds, scams, writers, writers contests, writing, writing competitions, writing contestscontests, frauds, scams, writers, writers contests, writing, writing competitions, writing contests

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Identity theft occurs when someone illegally obtains your personal information (social security number, credit card numbers or some other personal information) and uses that information to apply for loans or credit cards under your name or to make unauthorized purchases or gain access to your financial accounts. It is extremely prevalent these days, but there are steps you can take which will reduce the chances of you becoming a victim of identity theft.

1. NEVER give out personal information (date of birth, social security number, credit card numbers) over the phone, by email or on the internet unless you initiated the contact and know whom you’re dealing with. If your social security number is requested, ask if another form of ID could be substituted in its place.

2. ALWAYS shred papers that have your personal information on them before throwing them away. Papers that should be shredded include credit card receipts, checks, bank statements, credit card statements, expired credit cards and pre-approved credit card offers. Cross-cut shredders are great for this purpose.

3. Keep accurate and current records of all your credit cards and who you should contact in case they are lost or stolen. You may want to take copies of your credit cards and write the customer service number on the copy. If you are not currently using some of your credit cards, you should keep them securely locked away. Other things to keep in a secure location include: unused checks, your social security card, bank statements and credit card statements.

4. ALWAYS make sure you get your copy of a credit card receipt when making a purchase. Check to make sure your credit card was returned to you as well.

5. Check your credit reports annually. There are three credit reporting agencies; Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. Every year, you are allowed one free credit report from each of these credit reporting agencies. Go to www.annualcreditreport.com to order your free credit reports, ordering one from a different agency every 4 months.

6. ALWAYS make sure there are no “shoulder surfers” around when you are keying in your PIN number at an ATM or store. Be careful that no one overhears you when giving out your credit card number or personal information over the phone.

7. When purchasing on the internet, always make sure the site you’re using is secure. You know you’re on a secure site if the web address changes from http:// to https:// when you click on “buy” or “add to cart.” You will also note a lock or key symbol in the lower corner of the web page.

8. On your own computer, use a firewall and virus protection. Use passwords that include letters, numbers and symbols to make them more difficult to break. Never use PIN numbers that are obvious, such as your birth date, street number, phone number, the last four digits of your social security number or any consecutive numbers. Memorize your PIN number-do not write it down. If your mother’s maiden name is requested for security purposes, use a password instead-one you will remember.

9. NEVER respond to emailed requests from banks or creditors to update your information. You should always call the institution directly or go to their website (do NOT use the website the email directs you to) to update your information. Rarely do banks or other institutions request such information by email, and it is a simple task for someone to create a website that looks just like your bank’s or creditor’s.

10. If you receive lots of pre-approved credit card offers in the mail, call (888) 5OPT OUT to have your name removed from the marketing lists sold by the major credit bureaus.

11. Drop off outgoing mail at your post office or collection box rather than leaving it in your mailbox for pick up.

12. Have new checks mailed to your bank and pick them up there.

13. Place passwords on your bank accounts, brokerage accounts and credit card accounts for protection. Once again, use a mix of letters, numbers and symbols.

14. Consider an ID theft insurance policy.

15. Register with Equifax Credit Watch

Tags: identity fraud, identity theft, identity theft prevention, identity theft protectionidentity fraud, identity theft, identity theft prevention, identity theft protection

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