ROANOKE TIMES 
                      Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times

DATE: Sunday, March 24, 1996                 TAG: 9603260005
SECTION: BUSINESS                 PAGE: G-4  EDITION: METRO 

HOW TO AVOID GETTING RIPPED OFF CONSUMER TIPS FROM THE FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION TO PROTECT AGAINST FRAUDULENT TELEMARKETERS AND AUTOMATIC DEBIT SCAMS: NHANG UP IF YOU ARE ASKED TO PAY FOR A PRIZE. FREE MEANS FREE. NDON'T GIVE OUT CHECKING ACCOUNT INFORMATION OVER THE PHONE UNLESS YOU KNOW THE COMPANY AND UNDERSTAND WHY THE INFORMATION IS NECESSARY. NKNOW THE LAW. TELEMARKETERS MUST OBTAIN YOUR VERIFIABLE AUTHORIZATION AND YOUR EXPRESS PERMISSION TO GET PAYMENT FROM YOUR BANK ACCOUNT. NDON'T BE AFRAID TO ASK QUESTIONS. NCONTACT YOUR STATE ATTORNEY GENERAL IMMEDIATELY IF YOU BELIEVE YOU MAY HAVE BEEN A VICTIM OF TELEMARKETING FRAUD.

LENGTH: Short :   26 lines