Date   : Mon, 17 Aug 1987 18:41:39 GMT
From   : unc!symon@mcnc.org (James Symon)
Subject: Re: Cheap modems and other delights (Compuscan warning)

In article <KPETERSEN.12326748627.BABYL@SIMTEL20.ARPA>, bobmon@iucs.UUCP
writes:
> I recently posted a request for info about a company offering a modem for
> $122 (at least two other people posted similar queries).  I've since seen
> the following bulletin, which I am passing along...
> . . .<stuff about ads for cheap modems>
> Prices are absurdly low - in fact - they are below wholesale.
> To make a long story short - the whole thing is a scam. We have the
> postal authorities on it. INFO WORLD will have a front page story next
> week on it.
> In the meantime, don't fall for it.
> . . . next time remember the old -but true fact -
> that if sounds too good to be true - chances are it is not true.

Right, be careful, but also don't pay too much. I got a 1200 baud
modem for $109 from an ad in COMPUTER SHOPPER. That catalog was full
of ads with stuff in that basic price range. I also just got a 1200
baud modem from the C.O.M.B. catalog for $79, $83.50 with shipping and
handling. Both work fine and have Hayes command compatibility,
auto-dial, etc., etc. I don't know how to tell the scams from the real
but my guess is that the scams are not prevalent and will be short
lived. I hope so anyway. 

Sorry if you just bought your Hayes at the local store for $475. I'm
not a dealer so don't write to me to get you one. These deals are not
unusual if you check out BYTE and COMPUTER SHOPPER (I find it in the
supermarket with the other mags). 

                               Jim Symon

UUCP:decvax!mcnc!unc!symon
Internet:symon@cs.unc.edu