Telephone Fraud & Scams

Fraudulent telemarketers use authentic-sounding phone calls to convince people to send credit card numbers, bank account information, Social Security numbers, passwords, and other confidential and private information to an unknown person.

Here are tips on how to make it more difficult for fraud artists to target you:

• Don't give your credit card, checking account or Social Security number to unknown callers.
• Don't invest your money with an unknown caller who wants you to make up your mind immediately.
• Don't send cash by messenger or overnight mail.
• Be aware of prize offers, travel packages or investments for which you need to provide financial information.
• Be aware of foreign lotteries. They are not allowed by U.S. law, which prohibits the cross-border sale or purchase of lottery tickets by phone or mail.
• Check out unsolicited offers with the Better Business Bureau, local consumer protection agency, or your state's Attorney General's Office before you agree to send money.

Legitimate consumer telemarketers will follow the rules prescribed by the federal government and the National Do Not Call Registry.