The Massachusetts Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation (OCABR) recently launched an interesting educational campaign. A new website to educate consumers of what to look for when visiting a site that to know it is a scam.
There are two components to this website: the first is a “teaser” page that appears to sell the consumer a debt relief service that guarantees results no matter the situation of the individual consumer. It has been modeled to look very much like many of the websites that promise guaranteed results, but in fact deliver nothing in return for the consumer’s money, or result in identity theft of consumer’s personal information. On clicking any of the links to find out more information, the consumer is directed to a second page that reveals that the first page is an example of a scam and is brought to the consumer by the Massachusetts Office of Consumer Affairs. Most importantly, there is information about spotting fake debt relief advertisements. The website also contains valuable information about how to protect yourself as a consumer, and a number of resources to consult if a consumer has become a victim of a scam.After looking at the site, I can see that it would be excellent information for all consumers. No matter what state they live in.
- according to Barbara Anthony, Undersecretary of the Massachusetts Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation
Here are some basics to be aware of, that that the site gives you
- Charges upfront fees
Any service that charges upfront fees should be an immediate red flag for you. - Guarantees to reduce or eliminate your debt
No legitimate service can guarantee to reduce or eliminate your debt. - Guarantees to repair your credit
Again, no service can guarantee to repair your credit without even looking at your report to begin with. - Claims to make debt relief instant
Another sign of a scam is when advertisements use phrases like “instant,” “quick and easy,” or “fast and effortless.” There is no such thing as instant debt relief.
Protect Yourself 1. Know who you are dealing with. Before you provide anyone with any payments or personal information, make sure you have investigated the company. You can do this by checking your local Better Business Bureau to see if the company is legitimate or if any complaints have been filed against it. 2. Get everything in writing. Anything that is not writing, may not be legally binding. To be able to protect yourself and your rights, you need to ensure that you get written and signed documents of all promises being made to you by the company you are dealing with. Keep copies of these documents. 3. Know what you are signing. Make sure you read and understand every document that you are signing very clearly. If you cannot understand a document, seek help. Do not sign any documents with blank spaces or errors. 4. Know what you are paying. Whenever you agree to make any payments, make sure you understand what they are required for. If you are unsure of why you are making a payment, or what service that payment is going towards, seek help. 5. Do not give out your personal financial information. Before you provide any personal information such as credit card numbers or account numbers to anyone, make sure that it is necessary to do so. Do not provide this information for services that you should be receiving free. REMEMBER: If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is! - Massachusetts Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation new Educational WebsiteTake a look for yourself. I truly believe the website can be of great use to every single American, no matter what state we live in. Wouldn't it be nice if every state had a website like this one? --- go ahead share your thoughts with me now, my ears are open. I'm always eager to hear what you think. follow me on Twitter and facebook
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