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Nackawic resident Sally Richards says a mystery shopper scam isn't the only sleight of hand game in town.

New Brunswickers also have to be wary of the luxury cruise ship shell game.

A mail-out to many residents holds out the prospect of a free cruise for two adults, plus $1,300 in a travel voucher. The material gives a toll-free number where you can claim your prize.

The number goes to a call centre in Fort Lauderdale, Fla, where you'll be asked to give your credit card number to pay for "additional'' charges, such as taxes and port fees.

You'll also be subjected to high pressure sales tactics as call centre operators try to talk you into more expensive deals and even a high-pressure timeshare sales pitch.

"This is the second one of these we have received and I'm thinking that there's lots of people out there who are receiving these. It's called Imperial Majesty Cruise Line Vacations," Richards said.

She would have thrown out the second mail-out she received, but after reading last week's Daily Gleaner and the story of Matthew Dunville's near miss with a fake mystery shopper program, she decided to call the Canadian anti-fraud call centre (phonebusters.com or toll-free at 1-888-495-8501).

The RCMP's national anti-fraud squad says the 'prize pitch' is a common scam and that legitimate companies offering prizes don't require winners to pay anything to receive a prize.

"Contact Project Phonebusters if you are contacted by someone who promises you great prizes, but you are required to send money in advance for shipping, handling, taxes, etc.," the RCMP advises.

Richards said the documentation that comes in the mail is filled with symbols that make it appear the cruise is backed by credible companies.

"They show logos suggesting that it's endorsed by Universal Orlando, Budget, Alamo, Ramada and Imperial Majesty and CLIA," Richards said.

She sniffed out the loopholes in the offer and wasn't taken advantage of, but she's concerned seniors and others less savvy might be lured by all the logos that make the offer appear more legitimate.

Don't be tempted, she cautioned.

"I don't want people to get scammed," Richards said.

New Brunswick RCMP spokesman Sgt. Derek Strong said like a lot of so-called "free'' trips, it's a clear case of buyer beware.

It's one thing to shop around on the Internet or through a travel agent for a trip, it's quite another when you get a mass mailing that offers you a trip too-good-to-be-true.

"Any deal that comes to you, you should be suspect and very careful," Strong said. "I think you need to have your wits about you and as soon as it smells bad, just back out."

An Internet search of the company name is rife with warnings about the duration, type and high-pressure sales tactics involved with the company.

There's even a testimonial from an ex-call centre worker about Majesty's inner workings and its dealings with the public.