TELEMARKETING FRAUD
[Back]

Telemarketing is a wonderful tool for many legitimate businesses and millions of people receive useful products and services successfully every year; however, telemarketing is also a very powerful tool for fraud.  Be cautious if you receive an unsolicited call from an unfamiliar individual or business.  If you are interested in a product or service that is offered, ask for more details; get them in writing if possible.  Get a mailing address and phone number where the company can be reached.  Write down the name of the individual with whom you are speaking.  Become concerned if the individual will not/cannot give you any of this information.. Be especially concerned if they pressure you into making an immediate decision, request only cash payment, or request information such as your credit card number, bank account number, or social security number even if you are not purchasing anything.  Additionally, if the caller says you have won a prize, but requests a "small fee," refuse; it is illegal to charge someone for a free prize.  Remember: if a deal seems to good to be true, it probably is too good to be true.  If it is legitimate, the company will not mind sending you the information in writing, or allowing you time to research the product, service, or offer.