Beware the doorknockers offering sweet TV deals
Dish or Direct? Many consumers in our area use satellite TV instead of cable TV. A new and very dangerous scam has come to our area. Itinerant doorknockers are making the rounds offering about $50 off your monthly Dish or Direct TV bill. They arrive in a neighborhood in convoy, usually two vehicles, one with a magnetic sign on the side (easily removed or changed).
They cruise down your street looking for satellite dishes visible from the road. When they spot one, the doorknocker goes to work.
The spiel goes something like this: “Good afternoon, my name is 'blah blah' and I represent (pick your satellite company). Would you be interested if I told you I could save you $50 per month on your cable bill? Let me check my list to see if you're eligible for this special program.”
The salesperson then looks at a clipboard with a long list of names, addresses and phone numbers, finally points to one and asks innocently, “Your name is, ah... (long pause). At this point the consumer usually offers up their name. “Your phone number is?” Again the consumer cooperates and provides a phone number. At this point, the salesperson explains this special program that the consumer is eligible for, offered on a “today only” basis.
Once the consumer agrees, the salespeople quickly fill in the consumer's name, address and telephone number. “Oh yes, I'll need a valid credit or debit card, because you will be charged for your next month's service, in advance, at the new rate, minus the $50 monthly savings.”
Now the person has all he needs to charge up your credit card or clean out your bank account, and probably to sell your credit/debit card number, name and address on the web for future nefarious activities.
I've received numerous complaints from readers about this operation. As always, be careful whenever someone is using high-pressure sales tactics that require an immediate decision. My recommendation is to simply tell them "no."
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Bill'S QUICK TIPS:
Don't use numbers provided by telephone, mail or door-to-door offers, to check out if an offer is legitimate. The scammers provide a bogus number, and the person who answers the phone is a scammer too.
If you feel ANY pressure, put the brakes on and stop. Tear up the mail, hang up the phone, or shut the door. STOP! Call me and let's talk about it.
Crooks and scammers prey upon consumers' good manners, honesty, and desire to “do the right thing.”
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PAY or RETURN: An older lady received a package in the mail. The box contained a bunch of cheap junk merchandise. There was also an invoice for $89.99 payable within the next few days. Unless the amount was paid in full, the consumer would be sent to collections, and her credit ruined.
The consumer did NOT order the merchandise.
First of all, any casual reader of my column knows, “If you didn't order it, you don't have to pay for it OR return it.” This is Idaho Law. Don't call the number on the invoice; you'll be playing into the scammers' hands. Give the “merchandise” to someone, donate it or throw it in the trash. Be done with it. Again, if you have a question, call me. That's what this column is all about.
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Interesting note: on July 6 I received 47 phone calls from consumers! It happened to be my birthday, and the fact that 47 consumers called for information or help was a great birthday present! I feel we're making progress on informing and helping consumers in our area. Keep it up! Big thanks to The Coeur d'Alene Press!
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QUICK TIP: Most of you are subscribers to The Coeur d'Alene or Post Falls Press. Once you're finished reading your paper, pass it along to a friend or neighbor. Who knows who it might help?
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BILL'S RANT: We are all consumers of government services. One of my pet peeves is the public areas along our roadways that are not mowed. We spend tens of thousands of dollars on statuary, flowers, parks, bike paths and cleaning public areas to make our towns nice to live in and attractive to our thousands of visitors, yet many of the areas along our main highways look like a neglected hay field. Depending on where the roadway is located, call your state, county or local officials and tell them you'd like those areas cleaned up.
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AN OLDIE BUT A GOODIE: The Asphalt Scam. “Hi, I just finished a large asphalt and paving job just around the corner. We have some extra asphalt left. Instead of dumping it, I could do your whole driveway for $300. How about it?”
It's a scam — DON'T DO IT!
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As part of the services that I offer as “The Consumer Guy,” I will also help you mediate (settle) a dispute. (Arguments between spouses NOT included). I am a trained mediator, and will provide these services free of charge. It's much better for everyone to mediate instead of litigate.
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Next week I'll be discussing the difference between mediation and arbitration — something every consumer should know.
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REMEMBER: It always hurts more when you hit your own thumb with the hammer!
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I have many more interesting cases that I'm working on as The CDA Press Consumer Guy. Call me at (208) 449-7222, email me at CDAPressConsumerGuy @gmail.com or fax me at (866) 362-9266. Also include your full name and a phone number. I am available to speak about consumerism to schools, and local and civic groups.
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Bill Brooks is the CDA Press Consumer Guy. He is an active Associate Real Estate Broker for Tomlinson-Sotheby's International Realty in Coeur d'Alene.