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The
Best Way to Avoid Telephone Scams Is Also the Easiest: Just hang up
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[June 17, 2011]
Every day,
seniors throughout Illinois fall prey to smooth-talking con artists
who call them up and tell all kinds of convincing stories to get
their money.
The Office of the Illinois Attorney General wants you to know that
it’s shrewd, not rude, to hang up the phone when a stranger asks you
to send them money or give out your personal information.
The following are some common warning signs of telephone scams. If
you spot any of these signs while on the phone, don’t think twice:
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THEY CONTACT YOU. When you look up the number of a reputable busi-
ness on your own and call to place an order, you have a good idea
who’s
on the other end of the deal. But when the tables are turned and
some-
one calls you, you have no way of knowing who the person really is,
where they’re calling from, or what they want from you.
THEY WANT YOUR PERSONAL INFORMATION. Any time a stranger asks
you for your bank account number, Social Security number, or other
sensitive information, you should be on high alert. This is a sure
sign of identity theft. Never give personal or financial information
to someone you do not know.
THEY PROMISE A BIG AWARD. Scammers try to lure you in with promises
of unexpected riches such as a large sum of money, a vacation, or a
“get rich quick” investment scheme. Remember: If it sounds too good
to be true, it probably is. Just Hang Up!
YOU MUST PAY THEM FIRST. It is illegal for someone to require an
upfront payment to claim a lottery or sweepstakes prize. Scammers
will
often tell you that you must wire money out of state, or even out of
the country, to obtain your winnings. Never wire money to strangers.
Wiring
money is just like sending cash—scammers will get the money quickly,
and you won’t get it back.
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Consider placing your phone number on the National Do Not Call
Registry, if you haven’t already done so. This will block most
unwanted telemarketing calls. So, once your number is on the
registry, you’ll know that any telemarketer who does call you is
probably up to no good. You
can register your home phone or cell phone online at
www.donotcall.gov or by calling 1-888-382-1222
(TTY: 1-866-290-4236) from the phone number you wish to register.
If you’ve fallen victim to or want to report a telephone scam,
please contact the Illinois Attorney General’s Consumer Fraud
Hotline
at 1-800-386-5438 (TTY: 1-800-964-3013) or Senior Fraud Helpline at
1-800-243-5377 (TTY: 1-800-964-3013).
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