1. Internet Auctions:
Shop in a "virtual marketplace" that offers a huge selection of products at great deals. After sending their money, consumers receive an item that is less valuable than promised, or, worse yet, nothing at all.
2. Internet Access Services:
Free money, simply for cashing a check. Consumers are "trapped" into long-term contracts for Internet access or another web service, with substantial penalties for cancellation or early termination.
3. Credit Card Fraud:
Surf the Internet and view adult images online for free, just for sharing your credit card number to prove you're over 18. Fraudulent promoters use their credit card numbers to run up charges on the cards.
4. International Modem Dialing:
Get free access to adult material and pornography by downloading a "viewer" or "dialer" computer program. Consumers complained about xorbitant long-distance charges on their phone bill. Through the program, their modem is disconnected, then reconnected to the Internet through an international long-distance number.
5. Web Cramming:
Get a free custom-designed website for a 30-day trial period, with no obligation to continue. Consumers are charged on their telephone bills or received a separate invoice, even if they never accepted the offer or agreed to continue the service after the trial period.
6. Multilevel Marketing Plans/ Pyramids:
Make money through the products and services you sell as well as those sold by the people you recruit into the program. Consumers say that they've bought into plans and programs, but their customers are other distributors, not the general public.
7. Travel and Vacation:
Get a luxurious trip with lots of "extras" at a bargain-basement price. Companies deliver lower-quality accommodations and services than they've advertised or no trip at all. Others impose hidden charges or additional requirements after consumers have paid.
8. Business Opportunities:
Taken in by promises about potential earnings, many consumers have invested in a "biz op" that turned out to be a "biz flop." There was no evidence to back up the earnings claims.
9. Investments:
Make an initial investment in a day trading system or service and you'll quickly realize huge returns. But big profits always mean big risk. Consumers have lost money to programs that claim to be able to predict the market with 100 percent accuracy.
10. Health Care Products/Services:
Claims for "miracle" products and treatments convince consumers that their health problems can be cured. But people with serious illnesses who put their hopes in these offers might delay getting the health care they need.
Sub Item 5.1b
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