Be wary of "high income" opportunities as well as those touting instant or quick earnings.
Look for and verify company contact information. Test e-mail addresses and phone numbers for a response within 24 hours. Always be able to speak to someone on the phone rather than relying strictly on e-mail communication.
Watch out for outlandish claims (often in big, bold headlines) and don't put much stock in income testimonials.
Check online forums on a particular business opportunity.
Confirm the reliability of companies with the BBB.
Frequent Scammers
The BBB also warns consumers about the increase in fraud among door-to-door students selling magazine subscriptions. The scam occurs when the peddlers - typically with a hard-luck story or earning money for charity - take orders and then the magazines never arrive.
Because sales representatives are typically high school or college-age, victims easily believe the fictitious sales pitch and often pay too much money. The BBB has received more than 1,000 complaints in the last year from 46 states.
In some cases the students also have been victims. They were hired by a company to sell magazines door-to-door and then never paid promised commissions.
The Federal Trade Commission Cooling Off Rule requires that you must be offered a cancellation form any time you spend more than $25 from door-to-door salesman. You also are allowed three days to cancel the order.
If you are not offered a cancellation form, don't buy - plain and simple.
Lower Medical Bills
As we see medical costs continue to soar, consumers are looking for more and better ways to lower their personal medical expenses. Similar to looking for the best deals and rates for airlines and hotel, the BBB serving Mississippi offers the following suggestions to help consumers get lower costs and better deals for their medical expenses:
Ask for it early. Ask before the procedure instead of after receiving the bill. Often discounts are offered if more than one procedure is being done or if there are therapy sessions needed surrounding the procedure.
Pay up-front in cash. This is often the No. 1 incentive to offer a discount.
Do your homework. Search online to determine the real costs involved.
Get to know the billing staff. They often have control over charges more so than the doctor.
Visit doctors during "off-peak" times. Offer to fill in for a last-minute cancellation or take a lunchtime appointment.
Do comparative shopping at pharmacies.
Bill Moak is president of the Better Business Bureau of Mississippi. Reach him at www.bbbms.org.
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