Consumer Protection Lawyers

Law Office of Arthur L. Weiss, P.C.

Avoid being scammed

The deal sounds great, the testimonials are convincing and the amount of money involved is pretty low, and then there is the 30 day money back guarantee.  No risk!  Get rich quick, get thin quick, grow muscles fast, look at teen age girls in various states of undress!  The pitch is loud, insistent and convincing.  If you are thinking of calling that 1-800 number here are eight things you should do (by the way, if after your disastrous experience with an infomercial scam you want to add to this list please let me know):

 

· Homework.  Research the company on the internet.  Put the name of the company or the tv pitchman into any search engine and find out what they are really all about.

 

· Document the transaction.  Go into the transaction assuming you will be filing a complaint somewhere at some time in the future.  If you later end up filing the complaint, arbitrating a dispute or suing a company over broken promises or misleading statements (of which there are many!!) you will regret that you do not have the details of the scam to use at a later proceeding.  Keep records of each phone call, who you spoke to, when and what was said.  It will help in the future when (not if) things go wrong.

 

· Keep all documents that you receive.   Do not throw anything away in disgust even though you will definitely feel like it.  Buy a manila folder and store everything in it.  Speaking of everything, make sure you get signed copies of any contract(s) you sign.  Keep them in a safe place.

 

· If promises are made to you over the phone  - write them down and record with whom you spoke, when and what was said.  But be ready - it is likely the fellow you spoke to last Wednesday who promised you ten free mentoring lessons will not be with the company next week when you try to get the benefit of that promise.

 

· If you are dissatisfied within the free trial period then immediately advise the company and request your money back. Do not be surprised if they convince you to keep the materials and send another $8,000.

 

· Negotiate with the salespeople.  If they want to sell you a program for $15,000 wait and see what price they offer it to you for when you say you are not interested.  These are commissioned salespeople - eat what you kill.  No sales, no food.  You are their food.  High pressure?  You bet.  Response - hang up.

 

· Closely analyze what you are buying - get rich quick schemes work only for the promoter, the pitchman.  Yes, he will get rich - on your money.  There is an old saying - the rich do not seek company.  If Mr TV Pitchman is so rich, he will not be so enthusiastic about sharing his secrets with you.

 

· Learn to say no.  Whether it is to the pushy salesman on the phone desperately seeking your credit card number or the used car dealer who wants to sell you the lemon of the day.  You surely want your kids to say no to drugs.  Do the same to these hucksters.

· Discuss your plans with a trusted friend or advisor.  If you are thinking of kicking in $10,000 or more you really need to speak to a lawyer first.  For most of use this is too much money to lose.