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Telemarketing Fraud
Today's consumer has more options and flexibility then ever before
when it comes to purchasing goods. Shopping by telephone or ordering
items on the Internet has made obtaining products easier then ever
before. Unfortunately, persons eager to commit crimes against those
consumers utilizing it for convenience also use the telephone.
It's estimated that millions of dollars each year are bilked by
these illegal scams with a growing focus of them being geared towards
the elderly. While there are a number of legitimate companies doing
business through telemarketing there is a growing number of illegal
operations popping up every day.
Telemarketing fraud involves the illegal use of telecommunication
systems for the purposes of conducting unsolicited sales offers over
the telephone. These tactics usually employ the use of high-pressure
sales approaches and offer deals that can sound too good to be true.
All consumers, and seniors in particular, need to understand that
many of these operations are being run by individuals that are very
good at what they do and are not just low-life salespeople. These
operators are criminals and won't stop until they've swindled you out
of your life savings! They're so good at their business antics that in
the past they've even convinced persons to mortgage their homes in
order to claim sweepstakes prizes. Unfortunately, all too often these
offers and get rich schemes don't exist.
Seniors can protect themselves by knowing how to identify
fraudulent sales pitches. There are a number of different types of
telemarketing frauds. Some of the more common scams include the
following approaches:
- Phony Prizes or "rewards" will often require
you to either send in money for the costs of collecting a prize or
to make a purchase with a prize. Often the prize turns out to be
of little or no value. Legitimate sweepstakes or prize offers
don't ask for payment because it's illegal!
- Bargain Sales are usually offerings that list several
items for sale, one of, which is priced way below its
"normal" value. The bargain prize usually ends up being
some fake or a toy replicate of the prize.
- "No risk investment". Unfortunately, all
investments are risky and legitimate companies must tell you of
the potential risks involved.
- "Congratulations, you have just won". Remember
that old saying that nothing is free in life? Nothing!
- 900- Number Toll Calls- collecting prizes through the use
of a toll call to a 900-telephone number often result in expensive
phone bills. Report any requirement of dialing a 900 number to
your local police department.
What You Can Do:
One of the first things you can do if you receive an unsolicited
phone call is to remember that you did not ask to be called. Do not
get suckered into feeling like you have to act upon any request.
Remember that these individuals will attempt to establish rapport with
you by "connecting" in some special way.
- It is perfectly all right to say, "No thank you!" and
hang up. Ask them not to call you again.
- Ask for written sales literature or a contract before making
decisions. Most fraudulent operations will often refuse such
requests or conveniently state that they don't have such important
information. This should be another "warning" sign to
you and will allow you time to thoroughly evaluate any such
solicitations.
- Offers that are about to expire or are for a time limited period
only should raise suspicions on your part. These tactics are aimed
at pressuring you into making hurried decisions. Don't fall for
them!
- NEVER send in money as a prerequisite to pick up your prize.
Remember, if its free- its FREE!
- NEVER give your credit card number, social security number or
bank account information to an individual that you don't know.
Report all suspicious requests to your local law enforcement
agency.
- Take your time in making informed decisions. If you have any
doubts or reservations you may need to do more homework on the
company. The Better Business Bureau may be a valuable resource to
assist you. ALWAYS follow your "gut" instincts!
- Ask them not to call you again. Legitimate companies will be
more then glad to take you off of their call list if you so
request. Cons on the other hand will keep calling you trying to
wear you down and to pressure you into giving.
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