Free iPods, vacations and more on your computer? on clarkhoward.com

RIP-OFF ALERT: Have you been enticed on the Internet with offers of free iPods, free computers, free flat-screen TVs and free vacations? If so, don't click through on those pop-ups or banner ads! Online marketer ValueClick has been fined $3 million for ripping people off with these kinds of false Internet come-ons. If you did click through on such ads, you'd have to navigate through multiple screens of sales pitches and surveys. Some people fell for the promise of free goodies and purchased what was being sold -- all in the hopes that it might improve their chances of getting that free iPod or free vacation.

Clark's producer Kim admits to having clicked through on these kinds of ads when she was enticed by an offer of an advance DVD copy of the third season of ABC's Lost. She clicked through multiple screens for about 15 minutes and eventually just closed out of her browser in frustration. Pop-up blockers have really helped to minimize the intrusion of these kinds of ads. But there are still embedded banner ads that tout this kind of stuff. Just before Christmas, the very popular Nintendo Wii seemed to be the product of choice for the scammers to promise you. Just know this: When somebody touts something for free, it's probably anything but that.

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What others are saying

Free Online Electronic Offers
I used to think these sites were all gimmicks designed to bombard your computer, email account, and mailbox with advertisements until I actually got something free. I received an Xbox 360 Elite brand new in box shipped directly from Wal-Mart. I couldn't believe it. I am currently working on obtaining a free Nintendo Wii. Yes, this process involves free trial offers, that if not cancelled before the trial period ends result in a charge to credit card or debit card. Some "gifts" require small purchases, in all I spent $50.00 to obtain the Xbox 360 Elite, which retails for $449.99. These programs require a fair amount of attention so there you did not get charged excessive fees for products you would otherwise not bother it. I would name the site that I use, but I do not want this to look like an ad. In conclusion, there are many scams out there, but there are some legitimate offers as well.
By Nicholas Shaheen @ 04/22/08 01:11:40 AMreport abuse

Free Online Electronic Offers

I used to think these sites were all gimmicks designed to bombard your computer, email account, and mailbox with advertisements until I actually got something free. I received an Xbox 360 Elite brand new in box shipped directly from Wal-Mart. I couldn't believe it. I am currently working on obtaining a free Nintendo Wii. Yes, this process involves free trial offers, that if not cancelled before the trial period ends result in a charge to credit card or debit card. Some "gifts" require small purchases, in all I spent $50.00 to obtain the Xbox 360 Elite, which retails for $449.99. These programs require a fair amount of attention so there you did not get charged excessive fees for products you would otherwise not bother it. I would name the site that I use, but I do not want this to look like an ad. In conclusion, there are many scams out there, but there are some legitimate offers as well.

By Nicholas Shaheen @ 04/22/08 01:11:40 AMreport abuse

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Mar 18, 2008 -- Free iPods, vacations and more on your computer?

What others are saying