Telemarketing Fraud

Seniors are often targeted by con artists who sell bogus products and services by phone. These telemarketing scams often involve offers of prizes, low-cost vitamins and health care products, and travel offers.

There are warning signs to these scams, including promises of "free" or "low cost" vacations and get rich quick schemes. If you hear these--or similar--"lines" from a telephone salesperson, just say no and hang up the phone: 

• "You must act now or the offer won't be good."
• "You've won a 'free' gift, vacation, or prize." But you have to pay for "postage and handling" or other charges.
• "You must send money, give a credit card or bank account number, or have a check picked up by courier." You may hear this before you have had a chance to consider the offer carefully.
• "You don't need to check out the company with anyone." The callers say you do not need to speak to anyone including your family, lawyer, accountant, local Better Business Bureau, or consumer protection agency.
• "You can't afford to miss this 'high-profit, no-risk' offer."

 Remember that it's very difficult to get your money back if you've been cheated over the phone. Before you buy anything by telephone, remember that you should never buy from an unfamiliar company. Always ask for and wait until you receive written material about any offer or charity; legitimate businesses understand that you want more information about their company and are happy to comply.

When you speak with a telemarketer, obtain a salesperson's name, business identity, telephone number, street address, mailing address, and business license number before you transact business. Some con artists give out false names, telephone numbers, addresses, and business license numbers. Verify the accuracy of these items. 

And finally, always check out unfamiliar companies with the Better Business Bureau, the Texas Attorney General’s Office or the El Paso County Attorney’s Office at (915) 858-2239.

Jo Anne Bernal

El Paso County Attorney’s Office