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No purchase required
for sweepstakes

Question: Can you alert the public and the Better Business Bureau about a scam from a company called NME in Clearwater, Fla.? They send you an official-looking letter saying "second notice." On the inside, in big letters, it says "Family Circle" and tells you to call a toll-free number. It says: "We have been trying to reach you regarding your $1,000,000.00 sweepstakes ID # xxxxx. P." It's signed, "Pat Haines, N.M.E. sales representative."

Answer: The pink envelope, marked "Important Delivery Letter," certainly did look official.

But it's a ruse that's been around for several years to get you to order magazine subscriptions.

NME stands for National Magazine Exchange. It also does business as Special Data Processing Inc., Clearinghouse Magazine, National Publishers Exchange Inc., National List Exchange Inc., Million Dollar Sweepstakes, National Telemarketing Exchange Inc. and Strike It Rich 2 Sweepstakes.

Although the letter is obviously a come-on to get you to call and get a sales pitch, you are not required to purchase anything to enter the "sweepstakes."

NME is on the radar of the Better Business Bureau.

The Clearwater BBB's "Reliability Report" on the company says it started in 1985, offering "magazine sales via phone and a telemarketing call center for various companies and products." At last check, according to that BBB: "Our file experience shows that the company has received complaints alleging billing disputes, misinterpretation of the sweepstakes promotion and misunderstanding the company's billing terms."

However, the BBB also reports: "The company has addressed all complaints brought to its attention by the bureau by canceling the consumer's account or responding to questions regarding the sweepstakes promotion or its billing procedures. To expedite handling of any questions, or if you have a complaint, the company requests that you call their customer service department at 800-310-6247 or e-mail them at cs@nmemags.com."

Locally, the Hawaii BBB said, "We always caution consumers to check with the BBB for any type of solicitation to get a report on the company."

You can call 536-6956 or, if you have Internet access, you can check on mainland companies at search.bbb.org and on Hawaii companies at www.hawaii.bbb.org.

Among the warnings the BBB gives regarding magazine subscriptions: Do not give your credit card number or bank account number over the phone unless you're certain you want to buy and know that the company is reliable. Otherwise, your account numbers could be used to make unauthorized purchases.

Mahalo

To everyone who came to my assistance when I was struck by a car at 4 p.m. Jan. 3 in Waikiki. I'm so sorry I failed to get your names in all the confusion. Thank you very much for your kindness and concern. Bless you. -- Gary Funakura

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