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Telemarketing Fraud

We teach kids to never speak to strangers under any circumstance. Yet, when strangers call us on the phone, peddling products that vary from insurance to vacations, we often feel obligated to talk to them.

The great majority of companies involved in telemarketing are reputable firms that sell quality goods and services. However, there are some companies who use the telephone to fraudulently promote goods or services.

Use the following advice to protect yourself against strangers who call you at home.

Never buy or invest in products sold by unfamiliar people or companies.

There is no way to positively determine whether a sales call is legitimate by simply talking with someone on the phone. No matter what questions you ask, skilled swindlers have an immediate response. Fraudulent telemarketer's have one thing in common. They are all skilled liars and experts at verbal camouflage.

Never assume you'll know a phone scam when you hear one.

Phone swindlers are likely to know a great deal about you when they make their call. Depending on where they got your name in the first place, they may know your age, income bracket, occupation, marital status, and even the magazines you read. The first words uttered by most victims of phone fraud are, "The caller sounded so believable."

Never give your credit card number to someone you don't know over the phone even if a caller tells you they need the number for "identification" or "verification" to send you a free prize. 

Once a swindler has your card number, it is likely you'll have unauthorized charges on your account.

Always request written information, by mail, about a product, service, investment or charity being marketed by phone. 

Legitimate firms will comply with your request. Swindlers will not.

If you are unsure about a caller, ask who is in charge of the company or organization represented. 

Get specific names, titles, telephone numbers and addresses. Check out this information with the Better Business Bureau before buying anything.

Realize that you are not obligated to talk to anyone who calls you at your home.

If necessary, hang up!

Victims of phone fraud seldom get their money back so don't fall prey to high-pressure sales tactics and fast talkers. Follow the advice we give to our kids - DON'T TALK TO STRANGERS!

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