THE SPECIFIC TYPES OF FRAUD DISCUSSED ARE HOME IMPROVEMENTS, AUTOMOBILE PURCHASES, BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY SCHEMES, PERSONAL SERVICES, RENTAL AND RENTAL DEPOSITS, SALES AND SERVICES, AND ILLEGAL DEBT COLLECTION. THE FOLLOWING PREVENTIVE SUGGESTIONS ARE OFFERED FOR DEALING WITH PURVEYORS OF HOME IMPROVEMENTS: (1) KNOW THE PERSON WITH WHOM YOU ARE DEALING, (2) SECURE A CONTRACT WHICH SPECIFIES THE PRECISE IMPROVEMENTS TO BE MADE, AND (3) DO NOT PAY IN ADVANCE. SUGGESTIONS FOR BUYING A CAR INCLUDE DEAL WITH RELIABLE DEALERS, SHOP AROUND, HAVE A MECHANIC LOOK AT THE CAR BEFORE YOU BUY, DEMAND A PROPER TITLE FOR THE VEHICLE, AND MAKE SURE YOU UNDERSTAND THE CONTRACT AND FINANCIAL ARRANGEMENTS. IT IS ADVISED THAT THE CONSUMER BEWARE OF THESE BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY SCHEMES: PYRAMID OR ENDLESS CHAIN SCHEMES, FRANCHISE AND DISTRIBUTORSHIP FRAUD, AND WORK AT HOME SCHEMES. PERSONAL SERVICES DISCUSSED AS FREQUENTLY INVOLVED IN FRAUD ARE DANCE AND HEALTH STUDIOS, EMPLOYMENT SERVICES, TRADE AND TECHNICAL SCHOOLS, COMPUTER DATING AND SOCIAL CLUBS, AND HEALERS, READERS, AND ADVISORS. LAWS GOVERNING RENTAL AND RENTAL DEPOSITS ARE EXPLAINED; AND THE FOLLOWING AREAS OF SALES AND SERVICES ARE IDENTIFIED AS INVOLVING FREQUENT FRAUD: DOOR-TO-DOOR SALES, UNORDERED MERCHANDISE, CONTEST SCHEMES, CHARITY RACKETS, SERVICE AND REPAIR, AND 'BAIT AND SWITCH.' ILLEGAL DEBT COLLECTION IS ALSO CONSIDERED. STEPS THAT A VICTIM OF FRAUD MAY TAKE ARE DISCUSSED. INCLUDED IS A LIST OF LOCAL, STATE, AND FEDERAL AGENCIES DESIGNED TO PROTECT THE CONSUMER. (RCB)