How to Avoid Telemarketing Fraud

It’s nearly impossible to get a refund if you’ve been scammed on the telephone. Before you purchase anything by phone, keep in mind the following information.

1. Don’t purchase from an unfamiliar business. Reputable companies realize that you would like additional information about their company and are willing to comply.

2. Before you send money to anyone, ask yourself, “What guarantee do I have that this company will use my money in the way we agreed upon?”

3. If you receive pamphlets about high-priced investments, consult someone who you trust to examine them. However, beware of the fact that everything written is not necessarily true.

4. Be sure to check out unfamiliar businesses with your community Consumer Protection Agency, Better Business Bureau, State Attorney General, the National Fraud Information Center, or any other watchdog groups. However, you cannot assume all bad businesses can be identified via these agencies.

5. Get the telemarketer’s name, company identification, phone number, street address, mailing address, and business license number prior to transacting business. Many scammers will give false names, phone numbers, addresses, and business licenses. Confirm the accuracy and reliability of this information.

6. Before you decide to give money to a charitable organization, be sure to find out what percentage of your money really will go to the charity.

7. Never pay for anything in advance. Pay only after delivery.

8. Avoid businesses attempting to send a messenger to your residence to pick up money, claiming it is a part of their service. The truth is, they could be taking your hard earned cash without leaving behind any hint of who they really are or how they can be contacted.

9. Always take some time to decide before you make that purchase. Reputable businesses will not try to get you to make a snap decision.

10. Don’t pay money for a “free prize.” When a caller claims your owe money for taxes or any other fee on the prize, that person is violating federal law.

11. You should definitely discuss big investments proposed by telemarketers with a trustworthy friend, relative, or financial advisor. It’s never rude to take your time and think about an offer. Under no circumstances should you respond to a proposal you don’t completely understand.

12. Never provide private information, including credit card numbers, expiration dates, banking account numbers, date of birth, or social security numbers to unfamiliar businesses or unknown individuals. Bear in mind that your private information is frequently passed on to telemarketers by third parties.

13. Before you get the next telemarketing call, decide what financial information you will or will not reveal on the phone.

14. If you’ve been victimized once, be skeptical of people who call and offer to help recoup your losses for a fee paid for in advance.

15. If you have information regarding a scam, report it to state, local, or federal law enforcement officials.