As Wisconsin's senior
population increases, it is important that they protect themselves from
falling victim to telemarketing fraud. Wisconsin has joined a national
effort to increase awareness of the problem of telemarketing fraud among
the elderly.
Earlier this year, Wisconsin Attorney General Jim Doyle distributed
about $1.3 million from a major consumer lawsuit to 1,264 Wisconsin
consumers who had been victimized by sweepstakes giant Publishers Clearing
House's misleading sales practices. Eighty percent of the company's
customers who spent $2,500 or more in 1997 were 62 years old or older.
According to a congressional report, Americans lose an estimated $40
billion each year to counterfeit or phony products and services through
telemarketing fraud. The elderly are prime targets for these criminals.
The best way to avoid these con artists is to simply hang up the phone.
But be aware that these scam artists are very skilled in their "profession."
They are especially adept at preying on older people living alone who
may be lonely. They often take advantage of this loneliness by pretending
to be concerned only with the senior's happiness and welfare. Don't
be fooled. They care only about your money.
Common Telemarketing
Scams
- Free Prizes:
These "free" prizes are generally over-priced or worthless.
If a telemarketer offers you a free prize, thank them and ask them
to send it to you. If you are told you have to buy something before
you can receive your "free" prize, hang up.
- Free or Low-Cost
Vacations: These "free" vacations will generally cost you
two and three times their worth after you pay all of the hidden charges.
- Health Products:
Always check with your doctor or pharmacist before purchasing any
vitamins or other health aides over the telephone. Generally, the
products that the telemarketer is offering have little or no medicinal
or health value.
- Investments:
Beware of "get rich quick" schemes. These could endanger
your life savings. The Community Bankers of Wisconsin advise that
you always check with your local banker, attorney, accountant or a
family member before entering into any investment proposal.
- Charities: Always
ask charitable organizations with which you are not familiar to send
you written information about their organization.
Then check out
this information with your local Better Business Bureau or consumer
protection agency before giving them any money.
Ways To Identity
Telemarketing Fraud
If a telemarketer tells you that you must act immediately on an offer
without giving you time to think about it, hang up.
- If a company
with which you are not familiar requests your credit card information
or your bank account information, hang up.
- If someone calls
posing as an employee of your bank and asks you to verify your bank
account number, hang up. Your bank has your bank account number-you
don't need to verify it.
- If a phone solicitor
tells you a courier will come by your house to pick up your check
or cash, hang up.
Always ask for written
information from a company that is unfamiliar to you. If the company
refuses to send you information in writing with references, hang up.
How to
Avoid Telemarketing Calls
If you have questions or concerns, call the Wisconsin Office of Consumer
Protection at 608-266-1852.
To learn more, visit the Wisconsin Attorney General's Office web site
at www.doj.state.wisc.us/. This site contains a section on telemarketing
fraud and offers an online consumer complaint form.
If you would like to remove your name from national telemarketing lists,
write to the following:
Telephone Preference Service
c/o Direct Marketing Association
PO Box 9008
Farmingdale, NY 11735
Don't be caught off guard and don't be talked into buying something
you don't want. Just hang up. The longer you stay on the line, the more
opportunity the con artist has to take your money.
Don't be embarrassed or intimidated by unsolicited telemarketing phone
calls. Remember you are the consumer. You are in charge.
