Even Consumer Help Web Not Immune From Scam Attempts

Even Consumer Help Web is not immune to scammers'attempts.

A recent voice mail message requested us to contact a "Mr. Nelson, Charlie Nelson." When the call was returned by CHW management, "Charlie Nelson" was "called from a briefing" to answer the phone. CHW was solicited to help the Fairfax County Police Association's "youth foundation for drug prevention" by donating money to them. In return our company would be mentioned in a "42 page full color police yearbook" which would be distributed to "every business in the county" as well as to "each and every police officer." CHW would also receive car decals so police would be aware of our company's support.

Prices were quoted in a descending order for a "full page ad' down to a "business card size ad." If the smallest size was ordered today, the next largest size would be added free. Prices ranged from $975 to $145. It was very hard sell.

When CHW requested written information be sent to us, "Mr. Nelson" refused, stating that only "the bad guys" or scammers sent written information. "The Fairfax County Police Association spends the money on the youth foundation, not on mailings," he said.

CHW contacted the FCPA's website, which had no information regarding any "yearbook" and no mention of a "Charlie Nelson". CHW further contacted the Fairfax County Police Department at Sully Station, to be told this was indeed a scam. Officer Funston informed us that the FCPA, a legitimate organization, does not request money from the public. She told CHW to avoid scams such as these, call and verify the information with officials prior to donating or paying money. She told us that no decal would prevent an officer from enforcing the law. "If you break the law, you break the law, " she said, "But if you are nice about it to the officer, it may help."

Officer Funston also recommended registering with the nationwide "Do Not Call" registry to help avoid these scam attempts.

Needless to say, Consumer Help Web will be missing from this alleged "yearbook."

posted by Consumer Help Web Editorial Team at 10:55 AM |