Earn up to $100,000 per year!
At the world's most successful seminar, we'll show you how to multiply your money in 6 months or
less - with little risk.
Our experts will teach you the latest insider secrets for making money fast.
You can't afford to pass up this valuable opportunity.
What a pitch! You may have received a letter or seen an infomercial promoting a seminar or
conference that promises to help you make a lot of money. Seminar hucksters say they'll give you
valuable information about how to invest successfully or operate a profitable business. Their
"success stories" and testimonials seem to show that anyone who attends the seminar can make money
from the investment and business program they're selling. Some promoters may even claim to have
gotten rich from their own investment in the program.
If you attend one of these seminars, you'll hear a series of sales pitches for a variety of
business opportunities and investments. Consumers who invest in these "opportunities" frequently
find that the pay-off isn't as promised - and they can't recoup the money they spent.
The Federal Trade Commission wants to alert you to the secrets of the seminar squeeze. Be wary of
promotional materials or sales pitches that make these claims:
- You can earn big money fast, regardless of your lack of experience or training.
- The program or business opportunity is offered for a short time only.
- The deal is a "sure thing" that will deliver security for years to come.
- You'll reap financial rewards by working part time or at home.
- You'll be coached each step of the way to success.
- The program worked for other participants - even the organizers.
Don't Get Hit By the Pitch
Promises of quick, easy money can be a powerful lure. If you buy into a business opportunity at a
seminar, you may find that the products and information you purchased are worthless and that your
money is gone.
You can avoid getting hit by the seminar pitch. Here's how:
- Take your time. Don't be rushed into buying anything at a seminar. Avoid high-pressure
sales pitches that require you to buy now or risk losing out on the opportunity. Remember,
solid opportunities are not sold through nerve-racking tactics.
- Investigate the business you're considering investing in. Talk to experienced business
people and experts in the field before spending your money.
- Be wary of "success stories" or testimonials of extraordinary success. The seminar
operation may have paid "shills" to give glowing stories.
- Be cautious about purchasing from seminar representatives who are reluctant to answer
questions, or who give evasive answers to your questions. Remember that legitimate
businesspeople are more than willing to give you information about their investment or sales
opportunity.
- Ask about how much money you need to qualify for the investment or sales opportunity, and
ask about the company's refund policy. Get this in writing. Keep in mind that you may never
recoup the money you give to an unscrupulous seminar operation, despite the operator's stated
refund policies. Taking precautions before you invest is a more effective way to safeguard
your money than trying to get a refund after the investment's been made.
To File a Complaint
If you've been victimized by a seminar promoter, contact your local consumer protection agency,
state Attorney General, and Better Business Bureau.
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