THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Monday, March 11, 1996 TAG: 9603090326
SECTION: BUSINESS WEEKLY PAGE: 12 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY JUANITA RAISOR, BUSINESS WEEKLY
LENGTH: Short : 33 lines
A rash of scams has burned unsuspecting consumers and entrepreneurs.
Hampton Roads residents receiving prize notifications from Western Equity should read the fine print, said the Better Business Bureau of Greater Hampton Roads.
Western Equity has mailed thousands of letters nationwide that say $15,000 is being held in the recipient's name.
To claim the prize, recipients must either call a 900 number or send a postcard.
After realizing that they have not won the prize, most callers are requesting refunds of the 900-number charges. Many of the complaints against the Irvine, Cal., company remain unanswered in BBB files.
Western Equity's mailing is sponsored by Direct American Marketers, and has been the subject of lawsuits in four states alleging misleading advertising.
Reports on unfamiliar companies are available by calling the BBB at 627-5651.
Meanwhile, federal authorities said thousands of unsuspecting entrepreneurs trying to make big bucks owning their own 900 number may get caught in a ``scam du jour.''
KEYWORDS: SCAM TELEPHONE 900 NUMBER by CNB