The Man in the Gray Flannel Suit

I’ll admit it – I was almost taken in by one of the newer scams floating around right now. No, not the extended car warranty, as tempting as that was. This latest one is a little more subtle, and involves what appears to be free money. Basically the scam is that anyone who’s ordered any one of a number of products from TV (PedEgg, Snuggie, or Aqua Globes) will receive a check in the mail for $8.25. It looks legit unless you look at one small line on the front and the disclaimer on the back. In the front, under the amount, it says:

By cashing or depositing this check you are purchasing a membership in Great Fun.

Huh?  What’s that?  Well on the back it says:

I authorize Great Fun to charge the annual membership fee after my free trial.  I agree to a thirty-day trial offer in Great Fun.  I understand that the $149.99 annual membership fee will be charged to my credit card on file with Aqua Globes unless I cancel my membership by calling 1-866-709-4170 before the end of the trial period.  My membership will be automatically renewed and I will also be charged every year thereafter at the then-current fee unless I call to cancel for a refund of the unused portion of the current year’s fee.  By cashing this check I authorize Aqua Globes to securely transfer my credit card information to Great Fun for enrollment, billing and benefit processing.

Holy crap, that’s some big balls right there.  So why did I almost fall for this?  Well, I did actually order a set of Aqua Globes many months ago but never received them.  I figured this was some sort of refund for that, although it did seem a bit low.  In any case, at least I didn’t order a Snuggie, as I think I’d have to just get a lobotomy at that point.

Anyway, my point here is that if you get one of these don’t do anything with it.  Or maybe call that toll-free number and screw with whoever answers.  Oh and don’t by Aqua Globes.  I finally got one from a store and they suck.  The tube gets clogged with dirt and the water just sits in the glass.  Piece of junk.

A scan of the check I received is after the cut for those interested: