900 Scams

The 900 scams are a variation on a prize scheme.  The consumer is encouraged, usually through an offer in the mail, to call a 1-900 phone number in order to find out how much money he or she has won.  The implication is that you have won a large prize (cash, cars, boats, etc.) and your brief phone call will confirm which prize is yours. 

The offer usually states the cost of the call per minute - around $4.99 - and the average length of the call, which is usually 7 or 8 minutes.  Most of these numbers are linked to a voice response, which prevents you from speeding up the call.  More often than not, the prize available is minimal (one or two dollars), and you will lose $35 for every call you make.

You must take the time to read the offer carefully and understand your odds of winning.