Pagadian City, January 2 - - - During this yuletide season, the public is warned against unscrupulous persons taking advantage of the season. These persons go around in malls and shopping centers and are out to victimize persons.
DTI Provincial Director Ma. Socorro M. Atay said the mode of operation is they approach a potential buyer and ask him/her to “pick a prize”, but here’s the catch: you have to buy an item to be able to get the prize or freebies! The items they are selling are sold at very exorbitant prices. Another approach, they will ask if one has a credit card and will convince their target to buy the goods using the credit card and one is asked to sign a contract.
If one is confronted by this situation, one should be cautious and not easily give in to the sweet talk of these sales persons. Here are tips on how to avoid SALES SCAMS:
1. Never entertain sales person who roam around malls and shopping centers offering some products for free.
2. Always say “NO”!
3. Do not accept items/products offered for free.
4. Ask yourself: “Is the product offered for sale worth the price?
5. Do not rush to buy the product, take your time to decide whether to buy or not.
6. Never give your Credit Card/Cash if you are not sure to buy the product or not convinced of the product’s quality.
7. Always ask for the Business Name Registration and address of the company offering the product for sale.
8. Think HARD for your HARD EARNED MONEY.
(DTI-MEJ/PIA9/ALT)