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What seniors should be aware of regarding scams, security and safety
By District Attorney David F. Capeless
There is not one of us who hasn’t been fooled at some time in our lives by a hoax, a false advertisement, an imitation product, or a deal for goods or services that was over-exaggerated. Thousands of fraudulent telemarketing companies operate in the United States, and the number of illegal telemarketers who target U.S. residents from other countries is rising at an alarming rate.
Telemarketing fraud is a multibillion dollar business, and we are all potential victims. But nearly one-third of all telemarketing fraud victims are over age 60. Con artists cowardly target the good nature and trusting souls of seniors, and take advantage of their sense of charity and compassion to gain cooperation.
Aggressive law enforcement campaigns and consumer safeguards have slowed the success of illegal telemarketers, but have not put them out of business.
What can we do to combat these criminals and protect ourselves? The answer is education. Information is power, and you can decrease your risk of being victimized by being aware of how telemarketing fraud happens.
The heart of a telemarketing operation is usually a rented space with desks, phones, and eager operators who call hundreds of people each day. Fraudulent telemarketers make cold calls using numbers from the phone book or a mailing list, or obtain information from lists that they have purchased. Unfortunately, if you participate in any telemarketing solicitation there a good chance that the information you provide — such as your name and telephone number — will end up on a flagged list. These lists, derisively referred to in the trade as “suckers lists,” are bought and sold by illegal telemarketers who consider those on the lists prime targets, particularly vulnerable to scams.
Telemarketers also make contact through the mail using a letter or postcard instructing you to call because you have won a prize or contest. A simple response from you can generate numerous calls from scammers trying to deceive you. Potential victims are often hooked through broadcast and print advertisements. Many consumers respond to offers in magazines or television ads. It is important to remember that if you initiate the call, it doesn’t mean the offer or business is legitimate.
Scam artists often use scare tactics and high pressure to sell products, or impersonate well-known programs or charities. They take advantage of the latest advances in telecommunication technology to trick potential victims. Scammers “ghost” their phone number to make them appear to be local numbers. A local number provides a sense of trustworthiness, and we don’t want to believe that we would be scammed by a neighbor or community business.
Illegal telemarketers lure victims into thinking that they are being pushy only because they have to make a living, when in reality they are criminals and their intention is to steal. Don’t be pressured by a demand to act immediately for fear you’ll miss an opportunity. Always ask the caller to send you information in writing. No matter what the circumstance, never give out your personal information including social security, credit card, or bank account information.
The most important thing to remember is unlike most other crimes, telemarketing fraud requires your participation. Always err on the side of caution. If you are unsure of any kind of call, hang up the phone and speak to someone you trust.
It is illegal for a telemarketer to call you if you’ve asked not to be called. The national *Do Not Call registry provided by the Federal Trade Commission is a free and easy way to reduce telemarketing calls to your land line or cell phone. If you are not already registered, please call1-888-382-1222.
Remember the golden rule – “If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.”
*IMPORTANT NOTE: Although there is legislation pending to make this registry permanent, as of today the registry is only good for five years. For those of you who registered in 2003 when the program began, you will need to re-register beginning in June, 2008.
David F. Capeless is District Attorney for Berkshire County.