Richard received a letter inviting him to participate in a drawing for a free original lithograph by a famous artist. He was asked to return a postcard with his name, address, and phone number.

After he returned the postcard, he was telephoned for more information, including his credit card number.

At some point, the caller asked Richard to buy a print, using such glowing terms as “fabulous opportunity,” “one-time offer,”

“limited edition,” and “excellent work of a famous artist.” The artist, the caller said, was near death and the print’s value would increase after the artist’s death. He was assured that when the artist died, the company that the caller represented would gladly buy back the print at two to three times what he paid for it and that he could always resell the print elsewhere at a substantial profit. He was told that he would receive a certificate to the

“authenticity” of the print. And he was promised a trial examination period with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Questions 1. Does the offer seem genuine to you? Explain your answer.