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Show I December 18, 1992 - The Eureka Reporter - Page Seven Area residents warned to beware !mp your Christmas tree fresh How do you keep your Christmas tree fresh throughout the holiday season? Preserving the trees moisture level is the key. of widespread telephone scams In recent weeks, the Divi- before you buy, especially if they find investors. in Protection the sion of Consumer contact you over the phone. If you are not interested has Commerce seen of Think before twice in an payDepartment offer, become subject to an increase in fradulent ing any charges or fees, Stewart sales tactics, or simply telemarketing activity in Utah. The said. Most likely the money you can't get any straight answers to Division encourages all Utahns to put out to secure your free prize your questions hang up. be aware of this activity in an effort will be more than your prize is The National Consumers to avoid becoming a victim of worth. has League recently opened a toll-frfraud. Don't telemarketing provide personal telephone hotline from those According to the division, or financial information, including suspecting a telemarketing scam several types of telephone scams credit card numbers and bank ac- and for the victims of telephone are on the rise in Utah. Recent count information, over the phone fraud. To voice your doubts or to instances of fradulent telephone unless you are absolutely certain make a complaint call activity have been reported where the caller has a legitimate need to scam artists, claiming to be bank know. In addition, consumers inBe wary of risk-fre- e who have questions about suspiemployees, contact consumers to verify their bank account num- vestments or once in a lifetime cious telemarketing activity in Utah investment opportunities. If there are encouraged to contact the Divibers. The bank employees tell were any such thing as a risk-fre- e sion of Consumer Protection, with investment that their the consumer big profits assured, computers have lost all of their account infor- the caller certainly wouldn't have mation, and they need their ac- to dial through the phone book to count numbers to the information into their system. Scam artists are then withdrawing money My best wishes for your merry from the bank accounts for which Christmases and your happy New Years, they have obtained numbers. your long lives and your true prosperities. Other scam operations Charles Dickens have been reported where consumers are being charged for what they We thank you so very much. thought were toll free calls. Consumers are instructed to call an 800 number to receive a free prize, cash, or other information. When they call the indicated number, they are automatically switched to a 900 number line without their knowledge or consent. Utah is also seeing an increase in fradulent free prize offers. Consumers receive a telephone call announcing they have won, or are eligible to win, a free prize. To redeem this prize they must call a 900 number, pay substantial shipping or handling fees, or buy other products from the company offering the free prize. In the end, consumers either receive a free prize that is worthless, or nothing at all. Other telemarketing scams which continue to plague consumers include penny stock offers, phony loan brokers, advance-fre-e Tintic Historical Society loan scams, precious metals or gems investments, and deceptive travel promotions. Telemarketing fraud is now one of the biggest threats that faces the financial well-bein- g of Utah residents, statedTed Stewart, executive director of the Utah Department of Commerce. Unfortunately, once your is out of your hands in a money chances are it is gone scam, phone for good. Stewart said there are several things a consumer can do to avoid becoming the victim of a telemarketing scam: Look out for attached strings if you are offered a free prize. An item is not free unless you can obtain it without purchasing anything else. If you choose to pursue a free prize, be sure you are dealing with a reputable and well-knocompany. Most free prize scams can be identified by the product(s) you are required to buy. Vitamins, make-u- p kits, and water purifiers are a few items scam artists what you to purchase in order to be eligible for their prize. Of course, there are legitimate companies which sell these products but it is important to check them out high-pressu- re ee re-ent- , The Division of State Lands and Forestry makes these suggestions: 1. Commercial trees cut locally are generally fresher than those shipped from the Northwest. Ask your retailer when the trees were cut. also ask if trees are sprayed with water to retain freshness. 2. To check for freshness, hold the needle between yourjhumb and forefinger. Bend the needle by slowly squeezing the thumb and finger together. The needle should break in half if its fresh. 3. Trees last longer in stands that hold water. Just before placing your tree in its stand, remove one inch of stump so the tree can absorb water more easily. 4. Freshly cut trees should last about four weeks indoors. Keep trees away from heater vents and wood stoves. Use a cool air humidifier to increase tree life. er Lymans Beauty Salon Lyman Loney Jolly qood wishts io you ANd youns wrrh chER ANd FRiENdship... ANd For a kolidAy FilUd io All our foiENdi, 'iltANks For youR vAluid busiNEssl' wn -- Open 7 Jays for your convenience. V & Js Gas & Groceries |
