How to Report Marketing Scams and Internet Fraud

The old adage holds true, "if something seems too good to be true, it probably is." In the past few years, the internet has made its way into every aspect of our lives from emailing to shopping to investing. But with this modern-day miracle comes the scam artists that always seem to find a way to make a buck.

If you feel that you've been scammed, or you want to check out a company or website, here are some tips for you:

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. The first place to contact is your local Better Business Bureau if any sales call you may receive sounds fishy. They will be able to tell you if a company is legit that is in your area. You can also fill out a report at www.bbb.org.

2. Senior citizens are especially vulnerable to fraud and marketing scams. Many police departments have special squads that combat crime aimed at seniors.
   
   Additionally, if you or a loved one is a victim of fraud (and over the age of 50) a couple of websites to go to for help are:
   - For telemarketing fraud against seniors log on to www.ncvc.org (National Center for Victims of Crime)
   - National Fraud Information Center: www.fraud.org/elderfraud/elderbroch.htm
   
   The National Consumers League also offers a 20-minute video on seniors and fraud for a small fee. Call 202-835-3323 for more information.

3. Another excellent resource is the National Fraud Information Center Hotline at 1-800-876-7060. Professional counselors can help you determine if you're the target of a scam and can contact the appropriate law enforcement authorities.

4. To report a suspected telemarketing crime or mail fraud, or to get more tips on such scams, call Project Know Fraud's toll-free hotline at 877-987-3728.

5. To get more general, free information on consumer topics or to file a complaint, call the Federal Trade Commission's help line at 1-877-FTC-HELP.

[carrot12]

on 6/4/2009 I think this is fraud but... Someone claiming to promote this hidden secret on how to whitening teeth and the way she figured how to use these 2 products together gets dental results. The kicker is she even "dug" up the promo codes to get almost free trials and reduced shipping. Well I found her on 2 web sites within minutes same story only promoting 2 different products. /www-cathysteeth.com is 1 the other /www.momsteethstory.com. Am I crazy or what!!

[imbeaultm]

on 3/28/2009 beware!!sales inohlogistics, [e-mail]//beware!!//John

[imbeaultm]

on 3/28/2009 Sales InohlogisticsSales Inohlogistics, SALES INOHLOGISTICS, JOHN

[imbeaultm]

on 3/28/2009 Sales InohlogisticsSales Inohlogistics, SALES INOHLOGISTICS, JOHN

[bomingo46]

on 12/13/2008 http://www.magicjack.com/1/index.asp


Stay away from this too good to be true..junk.

The 30 day free trial that is mentioned on their commercial is an outright lie. I was charged immediately upon ordering this device.

Furthermore,,,,,,,after the so-called 30 day free trial,,,,,there is no further warranty. If it breaks down, you're stuck with it. This is not mentioned in the commercial...naturally.


READ THE WARRANTY BELOW OR SHOULD I SAY THE LACK OF WARRANTY


16. No Warranties
THE magicJack DEVICE AND SOFTWARE ARE PROVIDED "AS IS", WITHOUT ANY WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, WHETHER EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, WARRANTIES OF QUALITY, PERFORMANCE, NON-INFRINGEMENT, MERCHANTABILITY, OR FITNESS FOR USE OR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.

magicJack MAKES NO WARRANTY REGARDING THE OPTIONAL FREE 911 EMERGENCY DIALING FEATURE PROVIDED. ALL CALLS MADE USING THE 9