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How to Protect Yourself from Scams?


Consumer Query


by odca.ie

 


The best way to avoid a scam is simply to say 'No' to it. Even if there is something good in the offer, say 'No' first, and then seek more information and independent professional advice. If you're in doubt, ask the ODCA for advice. If the offer turns out to be safe and good you can always say 'Yes' later.

The different types of scams that could be targeting you:

1 - Lotteries, Free Holidays and Prizes Draws

If you receive an invitation to participate in any type of lottery, sweepstake or prize draw or news that you have won a free holiday and are required to make a payment or purchase to claim your prize you should be very careful.


Often these companies give only a P.O. box number and no geographical address, therefore you have no way of contacting them if they will not respond to your communication by post.

For prize draws you may be required to call a premium rate number in order to claim your prize. This could result in a long phone call and possibly the need to make several other calls before your prize can be won. All Irish premium rate numbers begin with 15.


How to protect yourself:

" Never give credit card or bank account details to a company until you have checked them out.

" If it is a lottery and you haven't bought a ticket you would be advised to say no. Ask yourself if I have 'won' something, why are they asking for money? Read any terms and conditions on any mailing you are sent, if a premium rate call is required the cost of it should be clearly specified.

" If you have paid money already, write to the company stating that you want a full refund, if you have paid by credit card, contact your credit card company and ask them to cancel the payment if possible.

" Detailed advice on dealing with unsolicited mail or phone calls can be obtained by contacting the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner:

Office of the Data Commissioner,
Block 6,
Irish Life Centre,
Lower Abbey Street,
Dublin 1
Telephone 01 - 8748544
Fax: 01 - 8745405

E-mail:

2 - Pyramid Schemes

If a scheme offers you financial reward for recruiting people and offers goods and services of doubtful value or has no goods or services for sale at all it probably is a pyramid scheme. Pyramid schemes make money by recruiting people so for everyone to profit there would have to be an endless supply of newcomers. When the pyramid collapses (and they all do) relationships, friendships and marriages can be destroyed over money lost in the scam.


How to protect yourself:

" In Ireland it is a criminal offence to induce a person to become a participant in a pyramid scheme. If you are invited to join such a scheme you should tell the Garda Siochana who currently enforce this legislation.

" If you are satisfied that what you are being offered is not a pyramid scheme but it still sounds too good to be true it may still be a scam. Discuss investments with family or friends and possibly seek professional advice before signing anything and ask the company for independent research or figures.

" Refuse to commit to anything at high-pressure meetings or seminars. Take time to do your homework on the scheme including checking to see if any legal action has been taken against them in the past.

3 - Door-to-door Scams
Door-to-door sales can promote services, such as a roof repair and home or garden maintenance as well as sell you products. Even in the case of genuine businesses and products, unscrupulous operators can still act illegally.

Scammers will ask for either deposit or full payment, in cash or by credit card. They seldom accept cheques as they can be easily cancelled later. They will fail to tell you about your legal rights. They will demand that you decide to accept their offer on the spot.

In contrast, genuine door-to-door salespersons should show personal identification, give you written information, tell you about your cancellation period for door-to-door sales and give you documents, which allow you to cancel the sale easily.

If a salesperson comes to your home uninvited or under false pretences you are entitled to the protection of Doorstep Selling legislation. However if the company has previously contacted you and told you the precise commercial purpose of the proposed visit and you have agreed to the visit then the doorstep selling legislation does not apply.

However if a company has previously contacted you, told you the precise commercial purpose of the proposed visit and you have agreed to the visit, the Dorrstep Selling legislation does not apply


How to protect yourself:

" Salespeople should show you company identification. Make a written note of the person's and the company's name, address and telephone number.

" Beware of claims such as your roof needs fixing, your water is not clean or your vacuum cleaner doesn't work properly. Get independent advice to check those claims. Tell someone who comes to your door offering repair work that you wish to get other quotes before agreeing.

" Get written quotations rather than verbal estimates and seek other quotes. Ask for trade certifications or references from previous customers. Don't pay for work unless it has been carried out to your satisfaction and you have an invoice detailing work completed.

" Say 'No' to any offer that puts you under pressure or where you may be unsure or fearful. If you think the salesperson is preying on your emotions, tell them to leave. If you are frightened, phone for help from a trusted neighbour or the Garda, and consider not opening your door to people you don't know. If you suspect foul play, report the incident immediately to the Garda.

" Beware of door-to-door or telephone surveys as they are often a means to make an appointment for a salesperson to call and when you have agreed to a sales visit you are no longer protected by Doorstep Selling legislation.

4 - Service scams

Services offered that seem genuine and useful can sometimes turn out to be neither. Online directories, registrations of a domain name for a website or help to sell your car are offers should be thoroughly checked before committing to them.
Scammers will ask for either a deposit or full payment, in cash or by credit card. They seldom accept cheques as they can be easily cancelled later. They will fail to tell you about your legal rights, including a 7-day cooling-off period for a distance sale. They will want to rush your decision leaving no time to think and they will l not provide you with any terms and conditions before you pay.
How to protect yourself:

" Never make a business decision based on a phone call. Always take time to check the company involved. Be very wary if you are told that the offer must be taken up immediately.

" Know your rights in relation to distance sales when acting as a consumer and remember the 7-day cooling off period and your entitlement to see terms and conditions in a durable form. Note: In a business-to-business agreement then consumer protection legislation does not apply.


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