Comsumers are warned against impulse buying and advised to research products before they buy, purchasing from a reputable shop. They are reminded that the purpose of business is to make a profit, so that salespersons or advertisements offering free items or services do so with the intention of extracting a fee in some way. As an aid to consumers, the text lists frauds under several categories, and it describes the characteristics of each. Business and opportunity frauds lure investors by promising substantial returns for little or no effort. These can include frauds involving commodity futures, franchises and vending-machine operations, land sales, invention marketing, and Ponzi and other pyramid promotional schemes. Numerous states have passed laws specifically prohibiting fraudulent and deceptive practices such as pyramid schemes. The Federal Trade Commission has also become actively involved. Violation of State and Federal laws governing securities, particularly regarding full disclosure, have been effectively used to discredit investment frauds. Deceptive merchandizing practices which cheat bargain-hunting customers include auto sales frauds, bait-and-switch adverstising, and membership or purchase package schemes which purportedly reduce prices to persons who contract for a series or number of items or purchases in advance. Some of the greatest sources of consumer complaints are automobile and home repair and improvement frauds. Self-improvement schemes have recently become lucrative, as they target consumers wanting easy-degree education courses, body-building programs, books published, or talents promoted. Although private consumers are the most susceptible to the above schemes, businesses must also be alert to fraud. Commercial frauds can include customers' misuse of checks, coupons, and credit cards, fraudulent insurance offerings and tax shelters, and more. A glossary and a directory of consumer protection agencies listed by State are provided as consumer aids.