While there are many legitimate businesses that use the telephone to sell their products, there are also many unscrupulous businesses that use telemarketing to swindle consumers out of millions of dollars every year. Dishonest telemarketers are often very pushy and will say anything to get your money. They frequently use the following tactics:
- A high-pressure sales approach, urging you to "act now" or the offer won't be available later.
- Offer you something that sounds too good to be true, such as a "no-risk investment."
- Ask for your credit card or checking account numbers or other personal financial information.
- Tell you that you have won a "prize" that you have to pay taxes or shipping for in advance.
- Ask you to send money right away, through a wire service or overnight delivery. Fraudulent telemarketers will sometimes offer to send over a representative to pick up the money from your home.
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What You Can Do To Avoid Being Scammed
Keep your financial information to yourself. Never give out credit card, checking or savings account information to anyone who calls you, as it is not difficult for someone with this data to draft money from your account.Ask the sales agent to send you information about their product or services. Legitimate companies are often happy to mail you a pamphlet or brochure about what they sell.
Tell the company to put you on their "do not call" list. State law prohibits telephone sellers from calling you once you have asked them to put you on this list.
The "Do Not Call" Law
The "do not call" law gives consumers protection against being repeatedly called by telephone sellers by requiring most companies who initiate phone sales to maintain a list of consumers who do not want to receive phone solicitations. While federal regulations require telemarketers to call only between 8:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m., telephone sellers are only prohibited from calling you once you are on their "do not call" list (with certain exceptions).Thanks to the Arizona Attorney General's Office for the preceding information and tips.
