Telemarketing usually targets older adults. Studies have shown that four out of five people called by telemarketers are seniors. Here we will question the morality of telemarketing and today’s focus is on telemarketing frauds, such as fake charities and prize scams. Such people also target older adults, so it important to learn how to recognize a scam.
Steps to Prevent Telemarketing Fraud
The easiest step is just to hang up when a stranger calls and asks for money. If you are too polite to do that, be sure you never give them your bank card number – or PIN code especially. Not even other personal data is allowed to be shared, such as your exact address, social security number, etc.
For those of you who live alone, never tell the caller this. When someone on the other side asks, tell them you live with your family members.
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When they introduce themselves, ask them further details about the company or the organization they work for, including its address, phone number, the owner. Tell them to wait while you check the details online. Every serious organization has a website, so browse in order to see whether or not they have one.
Sometimes they will ask you to invest the money in certain projects. In that case, tell them you need to consult your lawyer first and will call them back afterwards.
In order to be 100% sure you won’t be getting calls from telemarketers, register your number at https://www.donotcall.gov/. A Do-Not-Call registry is a simple way to avoid telemarketers. Once you register and get a call from a so-called telemarketer, you will know right away it’s a scam aimed to take your money.
We hope these tips will help you to feel more secure and avoid phone scams targeting older adults.
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