A lot of people are overpaying simply because of inertia. |
Any request from someone you don't know to wire money should set off alarm bells. If that's part of the deal, it's a scam. |
But no matter what, consumers should check out their options and not only with (Bell) but with all the companies. |
Consumers need to check out unfamiliar companies before doing business with them, online or off-line. You can't judge them simply on the basis of a nice-looking Web site. |
Everything about the Internet makes it perfect for criminals bent on perpetrating a scam. |
For the first time since we began tracking Internet fraud, wire transfer was the No. 1 method of payment. It's really alarming. The whole reason why scam artists try to convince people to wire money to them is because it's so hard to trace and track wire transfers. |
Generally, you need a physical address to make a complaint, ... If it's a Web site, you can get information from the site-registration people, but it may just be a front for someone else. |
I think there's going to be a lot of work for consumer advocates and lawyers as the new e-signature law unfolds. |
If somebody tricks you into providing that information, then, of course, it defeats the whole purpose. |
It can be a great way to find something that might not be readily available in your area. Maybe you'll run across an out-of-print book or something you couldn't find anywhere else. |
It ends up becoming more like a pyramid scheme. |
People really need to guard against making assumptions. They really need to look at what information is spelled out and if they have unanswered questions, they need to get them answered. |
Requesting cash is a clear sign of fraud. Pay the safest way. If possible, pay by credit card because you can dispute the charges if there is a problem. |
The company's check is counterfeit, of course. And you're stuck owing your bank all the money you've wired. |
The guidelines that the federal government has come out with are all voluntary suggestions. They're not actually required. |