The Telemarketing Hoax

How to protect yourself from fraudulent phone sales

by Joyce Jones Posted: September 1, 1998

fine print or hidden costs. Note that if someone offers you a free prize but asks or some sort of fee, you really haven’t won anything. Ask for a number where you can call the rep back. If a con artist is calling, he or she will hang up. REsist high -pressure sales tactics. If the caller insists, hang up.

  • Ask these companies to put you on their “do not call” list. If a company disregards your request, you can bring action against it in small claims court under the Telephone Consumer Protection Act of 1991 and the Federal Trade Commission’s Telemarketing Sales Rule.
  • Stop sales calls from national marketers by sending your name, address and phone number to: Direct MArketing Association TElephone Preference Service, P.O. Box 9014, Farmingdale, NY 11735-9014.

    • If you have been scammed, report the crime to your local Better business Bureau, your attorney general or FBI field office. File a written complaint with the FTC, which helps law enforcement agencies identify patterns of possible violations. REad the following informational texts on the Internet for more help: “Telemarketing Fraud: Spread the Word” at www.ftc.gov/telemarketing/business.htm, “Telemarketing Fraud: How to Spot It, How to Avoid It” at www.consumerlawpage.com/brochure/88.shtm and “Telemarketing Scam Hits the Area” at www.bosbbb.org/warning/warnaud.htm.

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