By Douglas D. Watson
The ability to be skeptical of everything in the world of mail order is an essential tool to possess in this business. In fact, a program should be deemed guilty until proven innocent
Scams are the cancer of mail order and the only cure is prevention. To prevent scams, each individual must scrutinize every program they come in contact with. The people who get ripped off in mail order are the same people who take everything at face value.
The best way to analyze a program is to disregard the headlines and subheadlines of each ad or circular. Read the entire ad, not just the feel-good part. Don't let the fantasy of an ad turn into a false reality. Can the ad or circular stand on its own merits without the headlines or subheadlines? If it can't, it's best to be extremely leery.
Most scam artists are so good at fooling people because they have had so much practice. It stands to reason the best way to combat the scam merchants is through practice. Approach every ad with a "What's wrong with this" attitude. You see, the most powerful tool in avoiding mail order scams is preventive maintenance. Know the signs that should make you suspicious.
• Programs that have a list of names who are supposed to receive money or stamps whenever a new victim participates are illegal no matter how many times the letter states they are legal.• A program with a monitor gives the loud and clear message of "We trust no one but everybody is to put complete faith in the monitor."
• Any program which claims that a lot of money can be had for little or no work is a scam.
• Offers or programs that accept cash only are to be put on your "10 Least Wanted List." Individuals and/or companies that try to do away with the paper trail are usually up to no good.
• Offers that claim to print and mail circulars for an extremely low price are to be avoided.
Many firms thrive on doing business with the gullible mail-order newcomers. To stop the scam merchants in their tracks, all ads must be dissected. Remember that repeat business is a must in any venture. If a company seems to care less about repeat business, there could be a scam underfoot.
Keep the following principle in mind--IF IT SOUNDS TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE, IT PROBABLY IS.
Douglas D. Watson is the publisher of the Mail Order Truth (MOT) Newsletter. The MOT is devoted to alerting the mail order community of the various scams making the rounds. The MOT also offers advice on how to run a successful mail order business. Rates are $10 per year and $5 for six months. Make check or money order payable to Douglas D. Watson and mail to:
Douglas D. Watson Mail Order Truth P.O. Box 4784 Evansville, IN 47724
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