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Business - Scam Alert

Sunday, May. 10, 2009

Scam Alert: Fraud at the door with magazines

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THE SCAM: Magazine peddlers

HOW IT WORKS: Better Business Bureau officials have issued an alert about an increase in fraud among door-to-door sales of magazines by students. The publication peddlers take orders, but the magazines never arrive. Typically, the students have a hard-luck story or say they are earning money for a charity. In some cases the students are victims as well, according to the bureau.

WHAT'S AT STAKE: Your money and some personal financial information

HOW TO BEAT IT: You must be offered a cancellation form any time you spend $25 or more on products from a door-to-door salesperson, according to the Federal Trade Commission's cooling- off rule. Then you have three days to cancel. If you're not offered a cancellation form, don't buy. The best way to make sure a sale is legit is to buy from students you know or to check with the school the student supposedly represents.

For a look at past scams, go to www.modbee.com/business/scam.