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View Full Version : Deceptive Marketing Techniques


PeteF
05-16-2006, 11:42 AM
Everyone,
I just received another deceptive offer from yp.com Internet Yellow Pages
and found out how to get off their list. First allow me to explain what they
do as this applies to various other offers you might receive via postal mail.

They send you a check for a small amount ($3.25 is typical) and it appears
to be a legitimate check as if it was a refund or rebate of some kind.
HOWEVER, if you read the fine print on the reverse side of the check you
will discover that if you had indeed cashed the check you automaticaly
agree to pay a monthly fee for their services.

I WANTED OFF THIS LIST!
On the check was a phone#... 1-800-300-3209
I called it and calmly explained that I did not like their marketing techiques
which I considered to be a scam. I requested that I be removed from all
their mailing & phone lists or any other list associated with their company.
They were very agreeable and took me off at least two of their lists.

To the best of what I can determine, this yp.com Internet Yellow Pages is
not associated with the regular Verizon Yellow Pages.

Anyway, just be aware of this deceptive marketing practice as many other
companies use a similar techique. Then, don't get too upset but just call
them to get your name removed from the list if you want to avoid receiving
offers in the future.

I am seeing an increasing need for having our defenses up in all aspects
of our lives. Be it computer privacy & security against spyware, SPAM email
or deceptive marketing techniques via US postal mail. We are under
constant attack these days.

---pete---

Terry Hanushek
05-16-2006, 12:20 PM
Pete

I have seen those Yellow Page 'checks' for quite some time. I can't get them to the shredder fast enough. Before now, I have never had the energy to try to get off their list. Perhaps with your inspiration, I'll try to get myself off.

Thanks for the heads up

Terry

PeteF
05-16-2006, 12:42 PM
Pete

I have seen those Yellow Page 'checks' for quite some time. I can't get them to the shredder fast enough. Before now, I have never had the energy to try to get off their list. Perhaps with your inspiration, I'll try to get myself off.



Cool :rockon:

The yp.com junk mail irritates me more than most because I do advertise
with the Verizon Yellow Pages and it's confusing as hell when I receive
the yp.com Internet Yellow Pages offers. Hopefully, this puts an end to it.

---pete---

Terry Hanushek
05-16-2006, 09:03 PM
Pete

I think that the yellow page publishers may have invented deceptive advertising practices. Your warning about sign up authorizations disguised as checks reminds me of a similar bout that I had a few years ago with one outfit (whose name escapes me at the moment). I received a notice to verify my listing which appeared to be for my free NJ Bell (Verizon) listing (but wasn't). In a distracted moment, I marked up it and returned it. Within a couple of weeks I was billed for a listing which I did not need. It took a few months to kill that scam.

Bottom line: If you are investing in classified directory advertising, be careful, very careful.:fear:

Terry