Rather than relying on instinct or luck, consumers should

Rather than relying on instinct or luck, consumers should look for the warning signs that indicate when the offer of a “wonderful” prize might well be bogus.

One sure sign is that the offer sounds too good to be true. Telephone solicitors are in the business of making money, not giving it away. A second is having to send a payment before receiving the prize. This can leave the consumer without either the prize or the payment if the company does not make good on its prize offer.

Another warning sign is when the payment has to be shipped through a courier company, rather than mailed. This is a tactic to avoid involving the Post Office. Because scam artists do not want to risk investigation and prosecution by the Postal authorities, they use alternate means to transfer the funds they scam from their victims.

One Of the most common signals that a deal may not be legitimate is when the caller insists on an immediate decision or reaction. When consumers are told that they must act instantly to take advantage of an offer, that isv when they should slow down the decision making process to allow time for questions and consideration, which is just what the con artist wants to avoid.

Sometimes instead of cash, the shysters will ask for a credit card number or bank account number to “verify the prize.” Consumers should be particularly wary of this approach. Through the account numbers, con artists can bill charges to the charge card and remove money from the checking account, without the knowledge or consent of the consumer.

“By paying attention to the warning signs of telemarketing fraud, people can save themselves time, aggravation, dashed hopes and a lot of money. Although Virginia law provides protection against bogus prize offers, the first and most effective line of defense is a careful consumer,” notes Betty Blakemore Sulzbach, Director of the Division of Consumer Affairs.