Telephone Scams and Information For Seniors
Senior citizens are unfortunately a common prey for telemarketing/telephone scams. Many con artists see senior citizens are being more trusting towards strangers, as well as more polite and more willing to listen than the younger generation.
Older women living by themselves are the most common target, but certainly not the only senior citizens targeted by telephone con artists. Read on to find out why senior citizens sometimes fall victim to these scams and how to spot them and what to do to avoid getting ripped off.
Staying Level Headed and In Control
Sometimes it is hard to know whether or not a sales call is legitimate. Remember that telephone con artists are good at sounding believable, even when they're really telling complete lies. Never trust someone over the phone based on the fact that they "seem nice"
Sometimes senior citizens may be feeling lonely and are more willing to talk to the person on the other end of the line. Con artists know this, and they prey on this. Remember while there is no harm in wanting to have a chat, that the person on the other end of the call may be listening only in hopes of developing a "&relationship" with which to get your trust to buy into their con.
Some telemarketers have an answer for everything. If you find it difficult to get off the phone after a few tries of doing so, do not be afraid to simply hang up.
You may be promised free prizes, free gifts, vacations, "investments of a lifetime", chances at foreign lotteries with "amazing odds" - but only if you act right now. A good rule of thumb if you really think the offer is legitimate is the write down the company and telemarketer information and think it over, research it online and discuss the offer/company with friends or family.
Never agree to anything without first researching or discussing it with others. If any offer requires an immediate answer, then turn it down. No legitimate offer or business requires consumers to make a split second decision. If they pressure you, you're likely talking to a scam artist who is after your money. Tell them goodbye and hang up the phone.
What Not To Do
- Never, ever allow yourself to be pressured into an immediate decision.
Never give your credit card, checking account number or Social Security number to unknown callers and/or companies.
If you really feel the deal is legitimate, do not purchase anything until you get all the information/details of the sale in writing.
If the telemarketing says they are calling for a charity, ask that written information be sent to you so that you can make an informed decision. Legitimate charities will have no problem filling this request.
Never agree to invest money with an unknown caller - or even someone you have talked to several times. Never invest any money without seeing help from a financial advisor or the state securities regulator. A quick consultation could end up saving you thousands of dollars by helping you avoid a scam.
Make sure that you know the per minute charges for any 900 number calls you may make. Better yet, don't call 900 numbers at all.
Never buy into the messages that you've won a prize. Especially if you must put any money at all (including shipping and handling) up front to receive it.
Be sure to check any unsolicited offers with the Better Business Bureau, the local consumer protection agency, and/or the State Attorney General's office before send money, give out a credit card number or agree to anything.
If you'd like to protect yourself from calls from telephone scam artists, one way to do this is to register with the Do Not Call list. While it won't prevent all calls from salespeople, it should cut down on the number you receive.
If you follow the general guidelines above and always remember to listen to your gut, you should be able to avoid falling victim to telephone scams.
If you believe you have fallen victim to a long distance scam, you can try contacting one of the agencies listed below for help and information:
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