Be wary of offers that involve very low prices or free products that only require payment for shipping. These may be designed to lure you into providing your credit card or banking information in order to charge you for membership in a buyers club, even if you never agreed to join.
	Be aware that marketers may already have your financial information. Sometimes companies you haven't dealt with before have already obtained your credit card or banking information from other businesses. So don't say "yes" to trying a buyers club unless you're really interested in paying for the service.
	Ask for all details in writing before you agree to join. Promises that you can buy merchandise or travel services at discounted prices may not be as good as they seemed when you see exactly how the club works.
	Comparison shop yourself for the best deals. Don't just take a buyers club's claim that it can guarantee the lowest prices on face value. Use the phone book and the Internet to find the best prices and save money by not paying a membership fee in a buyers club.
	Understand what "trial offer" means. Will you be charged for the club membership during the trial offer period? Once the period expires, will you automatically be charged for membership unless you to contact the club to cancel?
	Watch out for "welcome packages." What looks like an offer to join a buyers club may actually be a notice that you've enrolled. Read the information carefully and contact the club immediately if you didn't agree to join or believe the terms were misrepresented.
	Challenge unauthorized charges or debits immediately. Contact your credit card issuer or bank immediately to explain the problem and ask that your account be credited. Follow up in writing and keep a copy of your letter.

If you need advice about a telephone 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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