Monday, August 28, 2006

Scam Warning: YP.com

The other day I received a check in the mail for the amount of $3.25 from YP.com -- a local yellow page online listing service. At first I thought it was an affiliate check and was prepared to add it to my weekly deposits, but careful reading of the reverse side of the check revealed it was a scam. By endorsing the back of the check for deposit I was agreeing to be billed in the amount of $27.50 per month for an online advertisement. It gave a third-party, Telco Billing, Inc., the right to either debit the account to which the check was deposited or add it to my monthly phone bill. Furthermore, it says I agree to be bound to terms which are conveniently omitted from the check. Lastly, refunds are given within the 120 days which means that a) my funds are tied up and b) they make money on the float (earn interest on my funds until they return my funds to me). If you receive a check from this company, be forewarned.