NATIONAL CONSUMER PROTECTION WEEK TIPS
It is illegal for a telemarketer to call you if you’ve asked not to be called.
Calling times are restricted to between 8am and 9pm.
Telephone solicitors must tell you it’s a sales call and who’s doing the selling before they make their pitch.
Telephone solicitors must tell you the total cost of the products or services they’re offering, any restrictions and if a sale is final or nonrefundable.
Telephone solicitors must tell you the odds of winning, that no purchase or payment is necessary to win and any other restrictions if it is a prize.
It is illegal for a telephone solicitor to pressure you to make an immediate decision.
Don’t give your credit card, checking account, or social security number to an unknown caller.
Don’t pay for something because you will get a “free” gift.
Avoid wiring money or sending cash, money orders, or personal checks because you may lose the right to dispute fraudulent charges.
Always ask for written material about any offer or charity and any unfamiliar company, including refund policies.
Check unfamiliar companies with your local consumer protection agency, Better Business Bureau or other consumer advocacy groups.
Talk over big investments with a trusted family friend or financial advisor.
Never immediately respond to an offer you don’t understand thoroughly.
TO STOP TELEMARKETING CALLS
Whether you think a telephone solicitor is fraudulent or not, if you want them to stop calling you, ask them to add you to their “Do Not Call List.” Federal law requires the telephone solicitor to stop making calls to you and to keep a record of your request for 10 years.
If you want to stop receiving telemarketing calls in general, you can sign up for Indiana’s Telephone Privacy list by logging on to the Attorney General’s web site at www.in.gov/attorneygeneral or by calling 1-888-834-9969. There are four exemptions to the list, real estate and insurance agents, newspapers, and charitable organizations.
COMMON TELEPHONE SCAMS
Prize offers, Travel packages, Vitamins/Health products, Investments, Phony Charities whose names sound like better-known reputable organizations. Last but not least – Recovery Scams, someone offering to get your money back because you fell for one of the above scams. You pay money to get your money back but you may lose twice.
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