The Scam: Shams, Stings, and Shady Business Practices and How You Can Avoid Them

by Peter H. Engel

Overview

Is the fancy bottled water you're drinking any different than ordinary tap water? Are you tired of getting ripped off? In today's hi-tech world, scam artists are finding almost limitless opportunity. In Scam! readers recognize some familar rip-offs, be surprised by others, and learn how to avoid the clever traps laid by hustlers and find out how to outsmart the outlaws.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780312144098
Publisher:	St. Martin's Press
Publication date:	04/08/1996
Pages:	160
Product dimensions:	5.49(w) x 8.28(h) x 0.47(d)

Editorial Reviews

Engel (Univ. of Southern California) examines 13 scam categories, ranging from real estate rip-offs to Internet hoaxes. Each chapter contains an overview of various tactics and practices commonly used in a scam, followed by advice and strategies on how to avoid becoming a victim. The author also offers a list of consumer protection organizations providing information and referrals. Although his work provides interesting narratives of some well-known and not-so-well-known hoaxes, it does not provide background research or statistics from crime labs, law enforcement agencies, or the federal government. The book is appropriate for the reader interested in obtaining a general understanding of potential shady business deals but is not intended as a resource for scam victims seeking information and advice on pursuing action against a con artist. For public libraries.-Paula M. Bindie, Information Svcs., The Body Shop, Wake Forest, N.C.

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