There are plenty of scams that can come straight to you via your phone. You may get a call from someone claiming to alert them to an attack on their credit card. They may try to convince you to give them your credit card info, after which the real attack can begin. This is only one of many telemarketing schemes that can happen in Washington.
Telemarketing Fraud Takes a Number of Forms
White collar crimes are far more likely to involve average people than you may think. Telemarketing scams are one of its most prominent examples. You may be told that you have won a lottery in some foreign land. You will therefore have to give them your credit card or other info in order to be able to claim the money.
Protect Yourself Against Telemarketing Scams
The best way to protect yourself against credit and debit card fraud from telemarketing scams is to register your number with the National Do Not Call Registry. Telemarketers are prohibited from calling people on this list. If you do get a call, you can be sure it’s a scam.
If you are asked to give out your personal information, such as credit card number or bank account number, hang up. You can then file a complaint with the FTC because this is very obviously a scam. Never give out this kind of data.
Telemarketing Fraud Can Be Prosecuted
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is the body that is responsible for prosecuting this type of fraud. Once it receives a complaint, the FTC will investigate. If it finds that a violation has occurred, it will take steps to punish the offense. Since many fraud schemes take place across state lines, the FTC is your best line of defense.