Fighting fraud

Article Abstract:

Consumer Action's Ken McEldowney gives consumers advice on how to avoid telecommunications fraud and how to combat its effects if victimized by it. Telemarketing scams include precious metals or penny stocks and sweepstakes requiring the recipient to call a telephone number. Both 900 and 800 numbers have become a problem, especially since 800 calls, supposedly toll-free, are converted into collect calls. Computerized lists of potential targets proliferate. Consumers who have been duped by a mail scam can contact the postal inspector, but those taken in by telephone fraud should call the Federal Communications Commission. Telephone companies will reverse billing for fraudulent calls if the customer persists. Telephone service cannot be disconnected for non-payment of 900 calls, but collect 800 calls provide no safeguard. Calling cards should protect consumers from pay phone charges to their home phones. However, calling card users must guard against scam artists with binoculars who try to read card numbers. Consumers need to pay attention to their phone bills each month to stay on top of fraudulent calls. Consumers can also request that their names be removed from direct-marketing lists.

COMMUNICATION, Management, Services, Telecommunications services industry, Telecommunications industry, Telecommunications systems, Interview, Fraud, Customer service, Support Services, Consumer Action

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Mortal Kombat spins off army of tamer stuff

Article Abstract:

A number of companies are hoping to capitalize on the success of the WMS Industries Inc Mortal Kombat video game. Hasbro Inc is planning to release a line of toys based on the game characters. Turner Broadcasting's New Line Cinema is planning a $30 million movie and other companies will be releasing an animated home video, comic books and a live arena tour. Mortal Kombat has grossed about $1 billion in sales since being released in 1992 and has been pilloried by the press and by parents as being an extremely violent game. The popularity of the game has inspired these companies to develop products based on it but analysts wonder if the game's notoriety will keep parents from allowing their children to buy other related products or see a movie. The product developers are planning to include tips on how to excel at the third version of the game in the forthcoming product in order to entice customers.

Prepackaged software, Software Publishers, Games,Recreation Software Pkgs(Micro), Computer software industry, Software industry, Product information, Marketing, Computer games, WMS Industries Inc., WMS, Action game, Computer action games, Product marketing strategy, Home software, Mortal Kombat (Action game)

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