Telemarketing Fraud! Ways To Identify And Avoid Telemarketer Fraud. How To Avoid Being Victim Of Fraud!

Whenever you send money to people that you do not know directly or you provide your personal or financial information to callers that are unknown to you, you will multiply the chances that you will fall victim to some kind of Telemarketing Fraud.

Things that a caller will say to try and victimize you.

Any offer that tells you to "Act Now" or the offer will expire, Any offer to you that you have won any free vacations, free gifts, or any other kind of prize. Especially when you are asked for money for shipping and handling or any other miscellaneous charges.

It is required for you to send them money, provide a credit card or bank number, even if they offer to have a check picked up by a courier.

Even before you have a chance to hear the offer the caller states that there is no reason for you to check out the company's history with anyone. They will tell you there is no need to speak to your family, your attorney or accountant. They will try and dissuade you from researching them through the Better Business Bureau or any other Consumer Protection Agency.

If you are told that you do not need to receive written information regarding the offer, the company, or the need to check their references. "You can't afford to miss out on this offer the returns will be high profit or you will incur zero risk"

If you hear anything like this coming from a salesperson over the telephone, The safest and best way to handle the call is simply by saying "No Thank You" and then hanging up the phone.

It will be almost impossible for you to get your money returned if you have been cheated over the phone. Here are some things to consider before making any purchases over the phone.

If the company is one you are unfamiliar with, do not buy anything. Any legitimate business will understand your need and request for additional information concerning their company and/or products. An honest company will send you any information that you request.

If it is a call from a charity do not donate anything until you receive some written materials concerning the charity.

If the offer consists of expensive investments you should seek advice from someone knowledgeable about financial matters that you trust. Caution, just because you see it written down does not make it real.

Call your local Consumer Protection Agency before dealing with an unfamiliar company. Other ways to research the company is through the Better Business Bureau. You could even contact your State's Attorney General. There is also the National Fraud Information Center and many other consumer watchdog organizations. Remember that not all fraudulent businesses will be identified through using these resources.

When talking to a telemarketer try to attain the salesperson's name, business name, telephone number and even their business license number before you even consider conducting business with the company. Of course there are con artists that will provide all this information falsely, so make sure you verify the truthfulness of the information provided.

Never give money to a charity or invest your money without finding out exactly what percentage of your money will be taken out for commissions. Also find out how much of a percentage of your money will go to the actual charity or into your investment account.

You should ask yourself before sending money, "How do I know that the person who solicited me over the phone is going to use my money in the way that was agreed upon over the phone."

Never pay for any kind of service in advance, only pay for the services once they are delivered to you.

There are con-artists out there that will send someone to your home to pick up the payment. They will tell you it is all part of the great service their company provides. In reality they are merely taking your money without leaving a trail of exactly who they are or where they could be found.

Never allow yourself to be rushed into making hasty decisions. A legitimate business will never use the tactic of pressuring you into making a decision.

There is absolutely no reason you should pay for a "Free Prize". Even if it is for taxes, any caller that tells you must pay the "taxes" is in violation of Federal Law.

Have a plan beforehand on how you will handle telemarketing calls. Determine exactly where your limits are as to what kind of financial information you are willing to provide and what information you would share on the telephone.

It is well within your rights to take the time to consider any offer made to you, it is not rude to tell this to the telemarketer.

You should discuss major investments offered to you over the phone with someone you trust, a friend, or a family member, even a financial advisor.

If you do not have a thorough understanding of the offer being made to you, do not respond to the offer at all.

Do not share information such as Social Security numbers, Credit Card numbers or Expiration Dates, any Bank Account numbers, or your Date of Birth to any companies that you are not familiar with or to any persons who are unknown to you.

The telemarketers acquire your personal information through third parties. If you have any information pertaining to someone attempting to commit fraud report it to State, Local, or Federal Law Enforcement agencies.

Do not allow yourself to fall victim to predators on the phone.

If the person calling you does not fully identify what company they represent as well as providing you with a phone number to call them back. They are probably not operating through a legitimate business or charity.

Telemarketing Fraud is one of the widest forms of Fraud identified. You are probably safer to only get more information mailed to you before making any monetary decisions.

The materials available on this hub are for informational purposes only and not for the purpose of providing legal advice. You should contact your attorney to obtain advice with respect to any particular issue or problem. All materiel are copyrighted properties of the author and may not be used without permission of the author.

To read more articles by Reality Bytes!