Telemarketing scams: You have won a free…. This may involve a letter or a phone call about a foreign investment that is “too good to be true.”
Advance –free loans: Fake loan brokers lead someone on and guarantee you credit (money) but you must pay the broker before you apply.
Automatic debit Scams: Fake telemarketers use this technique to improperly take money from your bank account. Never give bank account information over the phone unless you are familiar with the company.
Bogus Diets: Canadians spend millions of dollars a year and fake diet products such as “Lose Weight While You Sleep” or “Eat All You Want and Still Lose Weight”.
Magazine Scams: Beware of telephone sales pitches for “free” or “pre-paid” subscription offers.
Toll-free Scams: Calls to 800, 888, and 877 numbers are almost always free. However there are some exceptions. Be careful.
International Phone Scams: Scam artists confuse callers by promoting calls to “809” numbers; while these numbers may look like domestic calls, but international rates apply.
Pre-Paid Phone Scams: Selling prepaid calling cards may involve a large upfront fee.
Online and High Tech Scams: Common internet scams are pyramid schemes such as: equipment sales, business opportunities and work-at-home offers.
“900” Numbers: You pay to call these numbers, usually a flat rate (i.e. $1.99 per minute). Think twice before calling and check your phone bill for the charges.
Work-at-Home Schemes: Common schemes like envelope stuffing assembly or craft work. To avoid being 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, and the cost of the program (how much you will have to pay to get the materials). |
