Fair season is fast approaching and with the world continuing to return to normal after the COVID-19 pandemic, more and more fairs are reopening to the public. 

However, with that comes potential scammers. That's why the Ohio Attorney General's Consumer Protection section is offering fairgoers some tips on how to avoid being the victim of a scam.

Firstly, be cautious when entering a sweepstakes or prize drawing asking for your personal information. Read each entry form very carefully before you sign it. Especially the small print.

Even if you're on the national do-not-call registry, by entering the contest, you just might be giving a company permission to call you and even consenting to the sale of your personal information to other companies.

Additionally, always be skeptical of "free" vacation offers. A good rule of thumb to remember is that if it sounds too good to be true, it's probably false.

Strings are frequently attached to free or bargain travel such as listening to a lengthy sales pitch or buying an expensive second ticket. Additionally, the offer may have so many conditions, restrictions and hidden costs that you can't possibly schedule the trip, even though it's already paid for.

Always know your rights before signing a contract. Usually if you're at a fair in Ohio and sign an agreement with a company to provide you with a product or service valued at $25 or more, you have the right to cancel the contract with a reasoning as simple as buyer's remorse.

As long as you cancel before midnight of the third business day after you signed the contract, you are no longer obligated to the contract's terms. The three-day right typically applies when a sale occurs outside the seller's regular place of business.

The salesperson must advise you of this right and provide you with a separate form explaining how to go about exercising that right. 

Finally, watch for deceptive displays or misrepresentations. Companies are generally required to provide consumers with all the facts before a sale.

For example, if a certain number of products must be purchased to obtain the advertised price that information must be noted alongside any other exceptions that would prevent consumers from getting what the company is advertising. 

Scam awareness is also a major responsibility for fair organizers.

Canfield Fair Director of Concessions and Entertainment George Roman tells 21 News that the fair gets several applications for vendors and booths each year and he monitors each applicant heavily to make sure there is no misleading advertising and consumers know exactly what to expect when signing a contract.

With the combined efforts of fairgoers and organizers, the community can enjoy their fair season scam free.