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-- Programs and Services -- Contact Information For personal financial information mum’s the word
Fraudulent telemarketers may try to trick you into giving out your checking
account number. If they succeed, they can use this information to improperly
debit your account. You may not find out about this until you receive your bank
statement.
By federal law, telemarketers must obtain your authorization before they can ask your bank to debit your account. They must make certain disclosures to you and either: get your written authorization, get your tape recorded authorization, or send you written confirmation of your approval BEFORE they take money from your account.
What can you do to protect yourself?
Never give out personal information, including your account number, unless you have initiated a call and know the company.
Review your bank statement each month and IMMEDIATELY notify your bank if you see any withdrawal you did not authorize or any changes to a withdrawal you did not approve. Follow up with a letter to the bank.
For more information about banking matters, call the Massachusetts Division of Banks 1-800-495-2265 and ask for consumer assistance. You can also visit the Federal Reserve’s Web site at www.federalreserve.gov
Remember
that in Massachusetts there are only four limited situations when you have three
days to cancel a contract: (1) buying a timeshare; (2) buying a health club
membership; (3) refinancing a mortgage; and (4) buying items for more than $25
and you do not buy them at the seller’s usual place of business.
Other important numbers:
• Attorney General’s Elder Hotline: 1-800-243-5337
• Elder Services of Berkshire County, Inc.: 413- 499-0524 or 1-800-544-5242
• Berkshire County District Attorney’s Office: 413- 443-5951