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Show 6A Sun Advocate. Price, Utah Thursday, May 4, 1995 Crooks prey on unsuspecting in southern Utah land scams Utahs thriving real estate market is providing a window of opportunity for crooks, scoundrels and thieves to attempt to pull off some clever, fraudulent land sale scams, which have the potential to cost victims hundreds of dollars. The bogus offers come to property owners by phone or mail from companies, most often based in Texas, claiming to have buyers ready to purchase property or guaranteeing to be able to sell property quickly. Typically, the scheme relies on misleading sales pitches promising rapid sale for an attractive price. Promoters claim nationwide advertising networks through radio, television or even the information highway, which supposedly matches buyers and sellers. Many times potential victims are told sev- eral buyers have specifically expressed interested in their property. Victims are then REPOSSESSED PIANOS HURRY, THIS WONT LAST! informed of a requirement to put up money, usually ranging from $200 to $1000, to cov- er marketing or advertising costs. Over the past few months, Utah real estate and consumer protection officials have taken action against five all based companies for offering to sell land out-of-stat- e, in exchange for advance fees. These schemes are part of what real estate officials say is a nationwide increase of fraudulent offers to sell land. Here in Utah, weve been lucky so far, said Scott Dan-siacting director of the Utah Department of Commerce. We have been quick to take action against companies that are trying to operate in the state using these techniques. To the best of our knowledge, only one individual has paid one of these outfits any money, he added. Unfortunately, that money was lost. But there may be victims we are not aware of and these fraudulent offers continue to be delivered by phone and mail. We want everyone to be aware that these schemes exist. Any unsolicited offer to sell your property should be viewed suspiciously. According to Division of Real Estate Director Steven Stewart, last fall the Division e, of Consumer Protection issued a consumer alert Assume Small Monthly Payments against American Land Liquidators, warning consumers about sales techniques targeting Iron and Washington county properties. Since then the Division has issued cease and desist orders halting real Offer Ends Saturday MUSIC 58 E. Main, Price Introductory Flight with this Coupon! Save $25. Regularly $50, Oldest, cent 5 Shaping Class Starts Thurs., May 4 at 7 pm will Chamber luncheon scheduled May 9 future, whether they are base-- d on historical resources is irrelevant. The key is a plan By KEVIN ASHBY Sun Advocate publisher up-fro- the future, points out Pat Johnston, chamber executive for director. The cost of attending the nt 1) salt-reduci- orado River. ng redevelopment planning. However, all of the downtown areas in Carbon County will benefit from similar planning to ensure a profitable Tammy Moore of the College of Eastern Utah and Terri Anderson of Carbon High School have won the chance to compete nationally at the Vocational and Industrial Clubs of America convention in Kansas City, Mo. In recent statewide competitions at Utah Valley State College, Moore took first place in job skills demonstration and Anderson won first place in hair styling. The nationals run from June 26 through July 1. Other winners at the UVSC competition included: college opening and closing team, third place, Jailene Dennis, Erika Powell, Heidi Lemmon, Leigh Jackson, Shilo Jenkins, Bobbie Adams and Linda Trauntvein; high school opening and closing team, third place, Akemi Davis, Brooke White, Liz Castleberry, Jennifer Mays, Heather Cloward, Sarah Bias and Linda Hoh-osjob skill demo, second place, Katie Anderson; and hair styling, third place, Amy Blackburn. Bill's Home Furnishings Melissa Pollastro & Sulika Laulu h; Center Sun (Advocate 40 N. Cedar Hills Drive, Price (behind Smith's Food King) $20 month If No-sho- Moore, Anderson win honors meet 3 days a week at the Wellness luncheon will be charged on a person basis. For reservations, call the chamber office will be in Price. will cancellations as billed, made in the hour prior to meeting. its downtown areas, particularly main streets. Helper city is actively involved with the Main Street Program in its revitalization, historical restoration and Athletes of the Week y<ookjoltLOWl were almost overwhelmed at times with the response. The Sunnyside ambulance was on hand for tours by interested persons. Police also sponsored a DARE education booth at the event while a fashion show was presented to visitors. by. Workers East Carbon ambulance EMT Rebecca Jack-so- n checks Carl Torrez blood pressure during the East Carbon pediatric and teen health fair last Friday. Participants received cholesterol and diabetes screening, vision and hearing testing, dental screening, blood pressure checks and many other services were offered The Carbon County Chamber of Commerce luncheon will be presented on Tuesday, May 9, at noon at Days Inn. The featured speaker will be Bim Oliver, coordinator of the Utah Main Street Program, and the topic will focus on Initiating a Downtown Design Strategy. A dynamic and energetic speaker, Oliver will discuss downtown design strategies off. and the economic revitalizaRecognize that no one can tion of downtown areas. He guarantee your property previously served as planning will be sold. and budget analyst with Utah Always check out any offer governors office. before turning over any The Utah Main Street Progmoney, credit card or financial ram is a cooperative venture information. between the states division of Dont buy into a sales pitch development, the because the salesperson community National Trust for Historic claims the company is regis- Preservation and municipalitered or endorsed by a state or ties Utah to promthroughout federal agency or national ote economic growth and accreditation group. diversification through downContracts should be town revitalization. To a great received, reviewed and signed degree, state officials indicate by all parties before any Utahs economic success money changes hands. depends on the atmosphere of executing and negotiating more cost effective measures in the Col- A youre uAt k&fifiif idtk tkc & solicitation. Be wary of a solicitation of any type that you have instigated, Giani said. A warning buzzer should go off in the back of your head anytime a deal is too good to be true or billed as a sure thing. Any offer that requires any type of fee is almost certainscheme. a ly Legitimate comare willing to wait until panies a sale is complete before they take their cut, she added. The Division of Real Estate and Consumer Protection say the following tips can help consumers protect themselves from this type of real estate rip of Reclamation (BOR), which administers the program, more flexibility in fa fatten. . . East Carbon conducts health fair transaction or mail Bureau 6 Improving your heart and strengthening your bones. Muscle Toning is hard to turn down. (Continued from page 637-955- lt'$ not how old you are; it's how young you feeV and with regular exercise, you will look and feel younger. In fact, as you get older exercise can be a vital part of your total health and fitness, UMUf, some, Nationwide, thousands of people have lost millions of dollars through these bogus offerings. In addition Stewart says, last week the Division asked the Utah Attorney Generals office to begin court proceedings against Resort Properties Marketing, Inc., for failing to comply with a cease and desist order. Utah Consumer Protection Director Francine Giani said that as consumers attempt to sell property, they should apply the same rules and common sense as with any other phone Bennett: ARROW WEST AVIATION Inquire at the Carbon County Airport - Price estate solicitations against. American Land Liquidators and four other unlicensed companies. Its a simple fact, said Stewart, that even in the best of market conditions some property is very hard to sell. These companies try to take advantage of the desperation that someone who is having difficulty selling is experiencing. They give a pitch that, for you feel like you've lost your muscle tone, we provide the JJt W-- l , facilities, the knowledgeable staff and the friendly atmosphere so you can get yourself In the shape you want and enjoy doing It. Why not stop In and take a look around? Our staff will be glad to answer any questions and If you like, start you on your own fitness program. Voice of Carbon County since 1892 ADMINISTRATION Kevin Ashby Publisher ADVERTISING Bonnie Johnson Nicole Rackley Christa Kaminski Lynda Barnett Kevin Ashby Display Display Display Classified Legal EP1IQR1AL Lynnda Johnson Scott Nlendorf Layne Miller CASTLEVIEW HOSPITAL Editor Sports Reporter Office Hours: Monday - Friday 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at 76 West Main, Price, Utah. Classifieds Deadline: Monday at 10:00 a.m. for Tuesday's publication and Wednesday at 10:00a.m. for Thursday's publication. Office Manager Circulation Receptionist rights reserved by the Sun Advocate. All Is property of Sun Advocate. No part herein may be Fax Telephone: (801)637-2716- . Publication OFFICE Linda Thayn Marilyn Curtis Lynda Barnett Subscription Rates: 50 cents per copy; $32 per year delivered by carrier in Carbon and Emery counties; $35 in Utah, $38 out of Utah per year by mall. No. (USPS 174-96- I- ssued twice a week at Price, Utah. Second class postage paid at Price, Utah, and at additional mailing office PO Box 589, Castle Dale, Utah 84513. All For more Information call 637 -4800 (ext 4304) or reproduced consent. 637-937- 2, t' without prior written Postmaster: Send change of address to PO Box 870, Price, Utah 84501 . b |