FTC offers tips to consumers on avoiding telemarketing fraud

Thursday, June 05, 2008

The Federal Trade Commission recently announced “Operation Tele-PHONEY,” the largest coordinated effort against telemarketing fraud that it has ever conducted. In addition to law enforcement actions brought by the FTC and other agencies against telemarketing scammers, new educational resources for consumers are now available.

Click here to access the FTC’s website on telemarketing fraud

Click here to view a video on telemarketing fraud

Click here to download a brochure on telemarketing fraud

The FTC has these tips for questions consumers should ask themselves when they receive telemarketing calls:

Who’s calling - and why?
Telemarketers must tell you it’s a sales call, the name of the seller, and what they’re selling before they make their pitch. If they don’t give you the required information, say “no thanks,” and get off the phone.

What’s their hurry?
Fast talkers who use high pressure tactics could be hiding something. Take your time. Most legitimate businesses will give you time and written information about an offer before asking you to commit to a purchase.

If it’s free, why are they asking me to pay?
Question charges you need to pay to redeem a prize or gift. Free is free. If you have to pay, it’s a purchase - not a prize or a gift.

Why am I “confirming” my account information - or giving it out at all?
Some callers have your billing information before they call you. They’re trying to get you to say “okay” so they can claim you approved the charge. Or, they’re trying to learn your account number. Don’t give it out unless you know who you are talking to and what you are buying.

What time is it?
The law allows telemarketers to call only between 8 a.m. and 9 p.m. A seller calling earlier or later is flouting the law.

Isn’t there a National DNC Registry?
Yes, and putting your number on the Registry will stop most telemarketing calls - but not all. You still will get calls from businesses with which you do business, unless you tell them to stop calling you, too. But calls from sales people from unfamiliar businesses may be the sign of a scam.