Something for nothing?

Regarding the article "Scams Infiltrate Phone Lines," March 2: The first step in successful scam operations seems to be to break down people's resistance to the myth of "something for nothing." The breakdown begins when states sanction such games as Lotto, off-track betting, and other legal gambling systems.

In addition to catching "boiler-room" swindlers, efforts need to made to strengthen people's understanding that nothing in life is free. Elizabeth B. Helmer, Ithaca, N.Y.

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