Consumer Fraud Alert
"Hang Up On Fraud"
Warning: You should be cautious of any unknown person calling and soliciting funds from you. Con artists doing business over the phone swindle more than a billion dollars a year from thousands of unsuspecting Americans who fall prey to seemingly tremendous offers.
- BEWARE OF...
- "Free" gifts that require you to pay "shipping and handling charges", "redemption fee", or "gift taxes" before delivery.
- High pressure sales tactics and demands for you to "ACT NOW".
- Claims that "YOU HAVE WON A PRIZE" and a request to verify your credit card or checking account number for "identification" or to "confirm" that you have won the prize.
- A caller's reluctance to provide SPECIFIC INFORMATION OR WRITTEN MATERIALS about the organization.
- Contests or sweepstakes which GUARANTEE that you are about to win if you send more money to go on to the "next level".
- Requests that you send money by overnight express.
- Remember, not all theft happens at the point of a gun...it can happen with a telephone call. Get information in writing and check out the company before giving them any money.
If you or anyone you know has been a victim of telemarketing fraud, contact the Consumer Protection Division of the North Dakota Attorney General's Office at 1-800-472-2600 or 701-328-3404.
This information is sponsored by:
- North Dakota Bankers Association
North Dakota Attorney General's Office
Red Flags of
Telemarketing Fraud
- Suspect telemarketing fraud if any of these signs exist in bank customers:
- Excitement over winning a big prize.
- Need for certified checks or money orders to claim a prize or recover stolen money.
- Urgent need to liquidate investments, seek a loan or withdraw cash to beat a deadline.
- Any need to pre-pay a fee or "taxes" to win a prize.
- Large number of small checks on a monthly or daily basis to contest or sweepstakes companies.
- Check written for a large amount with notations in the memo section, such as "Promotion", "Prize Award", or "Refund Anytime".
- Overnight express couriers picking up checks.
- Wiring money to strangers through Western Union.
- Frequent phone calls from strangers.
- Sight drafts debiting a customer's bank account without signatures.
- Large or unusual credit card debits, such as repetitive debits to the same company name.
- If you have questions about telemarketing fraud or suspect potential fraud, call the Consumer Protection Division of the North Dakota Attorney General's Office at 1-800-472-2600 or 701-328-3404. This information has been provided as a public service from the North Dakota Bankers Association, P.O. Box 1438, Bismarck, N.D., 58502. Phone number, (701) 223-5303.
Attorney General's Office
The Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division investigates allegations of misleading or deceptive practices in the market place. If you have a consumer problem or question, look to this site for help.
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