OCR Text |
Show 'Free prizes' con en d up costing If you receive an announcement that you have won a "free" prize, be extremely cautious! Many of the so-called "free prizes" could end up costing you more than the prize is worth. The Department of Commerce has a few tips to help consumers spot "free" prize scams. Look out for attached strings. An item is not "free" unless you can obtain it without purchasing anything else. In most cases, the consumer must purchase something else to take advantage of the word "free." Often, a free prize offer involves in-volves disclosure of your credit card number to validate a free prize award. Never give your credit card number to strangers. There are usually conditions to securing free prize offers: substantial substan-tial handling fees, shipping charges or even membership fees. Trunk twice before paying any charges or fees. Many operators will offer "free prizes," along with products you can buy at reduced prices, to greatly tempt consumers. Buying a year's supply of vitamins may not seem too much to ask if a week in Tahiti comes along with the "free" deal. However, paying inflated prices for the vitamins does not justify a trip with expensive hidden travel charges added. Many promoters are using 900 numbers to entice consumers to call for "free gifts." Consumers are often left on the line for extended periods of time or told to dial additional addi-tional 900 numbers to claim their prizes. What this usually adds up to is a very large phone bill. Be suspicious of the fine print. Be aware of small print which reads: "The chances of winning this prize are 1:1,000,000,000." Many people invest money in a prize that looks so easy to win, but, in reality, is next to impossible. And, finally, if you are hit with a free prize offer, stop and think, use your own good judgment. Fraudulent operators don't expect that |