Anyone can be victimized by telemarketing scams. It doesn’t matter your age, race, sex or educational level, scam artists have tailored their pitches to fit every type of person and scenario.
Many times these high pressure scam telemarketing calls sound like the following…
“Congratulations! You have been specially selected to hear this offer.”
“You will qualify for a free bonus if you act now”
“Congratulations! You have won one of ten valuable prizes.”
“You have won a large sum of money in a foreign lottery.”
“You must send a money order right away to qualify.”
“This investment is low risk and provides a higher return than you can get anywhere else.”
These high pressure calls are designed to separate you from your money quickly and before you have the chance to investigate the product or who is calling. Be very cautious of anyone that will not allow you time to investigate their claims. There is usually a reason they do not want you to think about your decision.
Cold Calls. Rogue telemarketers get phone numbers from directories, a mailing lists or they can also buy lists that contain information about people who have responded to previous telemarketing solicitations, like their name, phone number, and how much money they spent.
Direct Mail. Postcards stating that you have won a prize or a contest (that you did not enter) are often fronts for scams. If you respond you will most likely be contacted by a pushy telemarketer using persuasive sales pitches and scare tactics. I actually know an elderly woman who was told that if she sent the telemarketer’s organization money he would guarantee she would not lose her social security. This scare tactic was very deceptive, as she was in no danger of losing her social security, but because this scam artist was official sounding she thought she had to send him money or risk not being able to pay her bills. With all of the talk about our social security system being in trouble it easy to see how someone might fall for that scam.
If you are being harassed by telemarketers, please give my office a call, The Law Office of Todd M. Friedman today at (877) 449-8898 for a free consultation. You may be entitled to compensation if they are in violation of the TCPA or other rules regulating the telemarketing industry.