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 sales people. 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/sheriff.
