Fraud Protection: Dealing With Scammer On The Phone

BOSTON (CBS) - The Federal Trade Commission has some guidelines when dealing with a possible scammer on the phone.

But before we even review their list my advice would be to simply just hang up, or better still, if you don't recognize a number on caller ID let it go to voice mail. Then you can just ignore the call and not have to hang up.

  • Resist pressure to make a decision immediately.
  • Do not give out your credit card, checking account and Social Security numbers to callers you don't know — even if they ask you to "confirm" this information. That's a trick that is often used not only by callers but in phishing e-mails as well.
  • Don't pay for something just because you'll get a "free gift."
  • Get all information in writing before you agree to buy.
  • Check out a charity before you give money. Ask how much of your donation actually goes to the charity. Ask the caller to send you written informa­tion so you can make an informed decision without being pressured into giving immediately. Don't be fooled by names of charities that are similar to legitimate charities.
  • Don't send cash by messenger, overnight mail, Western Union, or a wire transfer which is the most popular with thieves. The money will be gone.
  • Don't agree to any offer for which you have to pay a "registration", "tax" or "shipping fee" to get a prize or a gift.
  • Before you agree to send money Research offers with Massachusetts Consumer Protection Agency or the Attorney General's office.
  • If the offer is an investment, check with the state securities regulator to see if the offer was properly registered. And a good policy here is: do not buy stock from someone who calls you.
  • Beware of offers to "help" you recover money you have already lost. Callers that say they are law enforcement officers who will help you get your money back "for a fee" are scammers who prey on seniors who have already been scammed once and are about to be scammed again.

 

If you believe you have been a victim of fraud please take the time to file a complaint with FTC:  https://www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov/#crnt&panel1-1 or Call 1-877-FTC-HELP

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You can hear Dee Lee's expert financial advice on WBZ NewsRadio 1030 each weekday at 1:55 p.m. and 3:55 p.m.

 

Subscribe to Dee's Money Matters newsletter here.

 

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