Common Fraud Schemes-Part 1
February 24, 2011 in Miscellaneous Chat
Fraud is on the increase according cialis 5mg to the FBI, and there are many types of frauds to watch out for. In this series we will be examining the most common frauds and how to avoid becoming a victim.
Let's start with TELEMARKETING FRAUD:
When you send money to people you do not know or give personal or financial information to unknown callers, you increase your chances of becoming a victim of telemarketing fraud.
WARNING SIGNS-WHAT YOU MAY HEAR FROM THE CALLER:
1. You must act now or the offer will expire.
2. You have won a 'free' gift (or vacation or other prize) but you must pay for shipping and handling.
3. To take advantage of this offer you must send money, provide a credit card or bank account number over the phone or to be picked up by courier( before you have had a chance to consider the offer carefully.)
4. Don't worry about checking us out, we have been in business for years. They will try to convince you of their "Great reputation" so you won't contact the Better Business Bureau, a consumer protection agency, or other source.
5. To cut cost, we don't have written information about our company.
6. You can't afford to miss out on this high profit or no risk offer.
If you hear these-or similar-"lines" just say " Thanks but no thanks!" and hang up. It is very difficult to get your money back if your have been cheated over the phone, and worse yet, many of the telemarketer thieves will steal your identity as well.
The solution, NEVER give out any financial or personal information to anyone over the phone or the Internet. Always ask for, and wait until you receive, written material about the company and offer, then check them out through the Better Business Bureau, state Attorney General, National Fraud Information Center, or other watch group.
In addition, get information about the caller such as his/her name, address, phone number, business license then verify them. Don't pay for a "free prize" it is against for law for a caller to require any form of payments. Never respond to an offer you don't understand and have not thoroughly investigated. Take your time, it is never rude to be careful, and a legitimate company will understand and respect your request.
The next in the series will be Nigerian Letter or 419 Fraud
Stay tuned
