STAYING SAFE — “America’s Crime Prevention Column”
with
Bruce Mandelblit
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) warns that there are various coupon scams targeting the average consumer and those looking for a home business opportunity to earn some extra money.
According to the FTC, coupons are a big business. Manufacturers distribute nearly 330 billion coupons, worth an estimated $280 billion, annually. Of these coupons, Americans legitimately redeem about 8 billion coupons with a value of $4.7 billion.
The FTC says: There is only one proper way to use a coupon: Cut it out of the newspaper or other source and use it towards the purchase of its designated product.
Sadly, unscrupulous promoters are making money and misrepresenting coupon-based business opportunities to unwary consumers. These type of scam-artists are working extra hard during these rough economic times to attempt to rip-off American consumers from their hard-earned cash.
The FTC offers these useful coupon scheme “red flags”:
1 – Guarantees of big profits, high incomes or amazing savings in a short time.
2 – Claims that no risk is involved.
3 – Lots of pressure to act now.
4 – Claims that this is a hot, “can’t miss” opportunity.
If you are still tempted to get involved in a coupon clipping venture, the FTC advises that you exercise caution, and ask these types of questions – and make sure the answers add up:
1 – Ask for details of the company’s refund policy before you invest any money.
2 – Ask for the total cost of the work-at-home program, including supplies, equipment and membership fees.
3 – Exactly what will you get for your money?
4 – Find out who will pay you, whether you will be paid on salary or commission, and when you will get your first paycheck.
5 – Get all promises in writing. Any promises you hear should be written into the contract you sign.
6 – Check out the company with the consumer protection agency and the Better Business Bureau in your own area, and in the city where the company is located. These organizations can tell you whether other consumers have complained about the work-at-home programs that interests you.
A Quick Security Tip: Checking any company with a consumer agency is not fool-proof, but it is prudent.
7 – Find out all the costs and fees associated with getting the coupons – and then do the math. Often, in addition to buying the coupon certificates, you will have to pay hefty postage and processing fees.
For more information, check out www.ftc.gov.
My Final Thoughts: Coupon scam artists use ads claiming easy earnings of “hundreds per week” to lure unsuspecting consumers into their greedy trap.
Don’t get “clipped.”
Always use extreme care when investigating any home business opportunity, including those that involve making money with coupons, especially during these tough economic times.
If you believe you are the victim of a fraudulent or deceptive “coupon caper,” contact your local Postmaster, your state’s Attorney General’s Office, and file a complaint with the FTC by calling 1-877-FTC-HELP.
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Copyright 2009 by Bruce Mandelblit
Bruce is a nationally known security and safety journalist, as well as a recently retired, highly decorated reserve law enforcement officer.
Bruce blogs on www.CrimeZilla.com.
This column is provided for general information purposes only. Please check with your local law enforcement agency and legal professional for information specific to you and your jurisdiction.
The information in this article is provided “as is”, with all faults, expressed or implied. The author and/or publisher and/or copyright holder makes no guarantee regarding the accuracy or completeness of the information. In no event shall the author and/or publisher and/or copyright holder be liable for any incidental or consequential damages, punitive damages, lost profits, and/or any indirect damages.
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