Scams are schemes which are designed to con unwary people out of their money. Scams come in a variety of types and can be quite sophisticated; therefore even experienced people can be caught out. You may well have already come across scams in your life such as letters from abroad asking you to share in a fortune if your bank account can be used to release funds that are locked away overseas, premium rate competition scams, bogus sweepstakes and lotteries, and fake health cures. These are some of the favourite scams used by unscrupulous fraudsters. As the number of scams seems to be increasing, Ablestoke’s Scam Avoidance Guide is designed to make you aware and save your money.
What is a Missed Call Scam?
Scams using text messaging, emails or faxes are increasingly ripping off unwary consumers, the UK Government has warned. Most of these scams involve offering bogus prize draws and special offers lure people into replying, the Department of Trade and Industry has said.
The growing number of people with the internet and mobile phones has raised concern that the problem is increasing. There is particular concern that because of the popularity of texting among children, they could often be the victims of cons.
In one example hotel and restaurant owners were asked to fax copies of their brochures and menus to a potential client. The fax number turned out to be a premium rate line.
While much of the marketing conducted in this way is legitimate, unfortunately it also includes examples which are misleading or untrue. All too often people are taken in by scams and make the mistake of being too trusting and lose money as a result.
A European directive which came into force in the UK in August 2004 was designed to combat unwanted e-mails. Messages should make it clear in the title what they are so the recipient can delete it straight away if they wish. Under the Data Protection Act, companies collecting the e-mail addresses of visitors to their websites must make clear any intention to use or disclose the address for
Tips for Spotting Missed Call Scams:
· Premium rate lines usually begin 090
· Premium Reverse Texts usually have a 4 or 5 digit code number to reply to
· All premium rate services should tell you the price before the call is connected
· Most phone companies bar certain calls
Be suspicious if:
· You do not enter prize draws
· There is a short time to claim a prize
· A processing or management fee is demanded up front
· You have to purchase something or phone a premium rate number to obtain your prize
· You get rewarded by getting others to join the scheme
· They want your bank details or credit card information
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For more financial information visit www.ablestoke.com
For Ablestoke Consulting news visit: www.ablestoke.blogspot.com
Client Testimonials: http://ablestoketestim.livejournal.com/
