Scenario: You pay to advertise your business on place mats, calendars and other materials that will be distributed in your area.
Scam: The materials are never produced or distribution is very limited.

	Before you agree to buy, get references from previous jobs and samples of the materials that were produced. Contact the references to find out if the work was completed on time and the materials were distributed as promised.
	Don’t be pressured into agreeing to anything immediately. Ask how you can reach the salesperson if you decide that you want to purchase the services.
	Shop around locally to compare services and prices. It may be less expensive to produce advertising materials yourself or with a local business. Check with your Chamber of Commerce or other groups that you belong to for companies that may be able to help.
	If you aren't familiar with the company, check its complaint record with the Better Business Bureau and your state or local consumer protection office. Lack of complaints is no guarantee, but it is helpful to know if problems have already been reported.
	Get a written contract that includes the company’s name, address, and telephone number, the price and payment schedule, a description of the materials, the number that will be produced, and the date and plan for distribution.
	Don’t pay the full amount up front. Insist on holding out a substantial amount until you have receive confirmation that the materials have been produced and distributed according to the contract.
	Report fraudulent sales of advertising materials to law enforcement authorities and the Better Business Bureau.

If you need advice about a solicitation or you want to report a possible scam, call the NFIC hotline at 1-800-876-7060. You can also ask questions or report fraud using our online forms.

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