I’ve seen lots and lots of scams over the years and many of them involve penny stocks, contractor scams, cash gifting, investment scams, black money and the list goes on. And with each scam you see the question is always asked “How is it that someone could fall for that?” And with some scams it is actually feasible that there is many potential victims for said scam.
A “Toilet paper” scam, well, I guess, could target everyone? Right?
In this particular scam the targets were those who own septic tanks. The ruse was that the federal government is now requiring by law that if you own a septic tank that you need to buy a special toilet paper.
The Miami Herald reported “In phone pitches, salespeople claimed the company was affiliated with the Environmental Protection Agency, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. One product, the $199 Septic Remedy treatment, would eliminate the need to have their tanks pumped, the company claimed.
Victims were also told that they needed special soap, detergent and toilet paper or their septic tanks would not pass federal inspection. But the EPA does not regulate septic tank products, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.”
This scam isn’t entirely impossible to believe. And the fact is there are house hold products such as special soap, detergent and toilet paper that is in fact better for the environment and without doing the research probably better for a septic, I can see how these scammer could make a mint on the sales of these products.
Anytime anyone ever calls you, sends an email, snail mail or knocks on your door, do your research. Don’t just automatically believe what someone says, especially if there is money involved.
Robert Siciliano personal and home security specialist to Home Security Source discussing identity theft on YouTube.
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