Does it shock you to know that telemarketing frauds occur everyday of the year and cost victims billions of dollars? Probably not. We have become so accustomed to hearing about these scams that such topics mean little to us. After all, this stuff only happens to others and can't possibly affect us because we're just to smart. Or so we would like to think.
Thanks to a year long research project conducted by the American Association of Retired Persons and various police agencies throughout Washington state, you now have the opportunity to learn how many of these unconscionable thieves work their scams. What you are about to hear is an actual conversation between a telemarketer and his intended victim. While listening, please keep in mind that this type of call is very typical of how the game is played.
Telemarketing Thief In Action
Telemarketing Sales Rule:
The Telemarketing Sales Rule was enacted by the Federal Trade Commission and became effective January 1, 1996.
It is illegal for a telemarketer to call you if you have previously asked not to be called.
Calling times are restricted to the hours between 8 a.m. and 9 p.m.
Telemarketers must tell you it’s a sales call, the name of the seller, and what they are selling before they make their pitch. If it’s a prize promotion, they must tell you that no purchase or payment is necessary to enter or win.
It’s illegal for telemarketers to misrepresent any information, any facts about their goods or services, earnings potential, profitability, risk or liquidity of an investment, or the nature of a prize in a prize-promotion scheme.
Before you pay, telemarketers must tell you the total cost of the goods and any restrictions on getting or using them, or that the sale is final or non-refundable. In a prize promotion, they must tell you the odds of winning, that no purchase or payment is necessary to win, and any restrictions or conditions of receiving the prize.
It’s illegal for a telemarketer to withdraw money from your checking account without your express, verifiable authorization.
Telemarketers cannot lie to get you to pay, no matter what method of payment you use.
You do not have to pay for credit repair, recovery room, or advance-fee loan/credit services until these services have been delivered.
It’s illegal for a telemarketer to withdraw money from your checking account without your express, verifiable authorization.
Here is a list of valuable resources where you can file complaints or learn more about the various telemarketing schemes now is use.
