An Echo Press Editorial: How to Spot a Telemarketing Scam – Alexandria Echo Press

Telemarketing scams are on the rise, prompting an alert from the Minnesota Attorney General’s Office.

The warning is part of the Attorney General’s monthly Scam Stopper series, which aims to protect Minnesota consumers from common scams.

“Telemarketing fraud is a $40 billion a year business,” said Attorney General Keith Ellison. “Unfortunately and shamefully, these professional scammers often target the elderly or disabled using all sorts of deceptive tactics. Here’s what you need to know to avoid these scammers.”

Telemarketing scams frequently hit the Douglas County area. We know that out-of-town scammers are trying to get local businesses to send them money in order to receive a plaque saying they’re a contest winner. If your business receives a call from someone claiming to be from Echo Press, for example, and wants you to send them money or personal financial information over the phone, don’t be put off. Echo Press does not offer or solicit such products. The scam seems to occur when the “best of” awards are announced. They are not a local company and are in no way affiliated with Echo Press.

Telemarketing scammers are working hard to exploit individuals — especially more vulnerable adults or seniors in a generation used to doing business with a handshake, according to the Minnesota Attorney General’s office. Telemarketing scammers abuse these people’s trust. Here’s what people should watch for:

• High-pressure sales tactics that require you to make an immediate decision.
• Computer messages warning you about a virus and directing you to a helpline or an unknown software vendor.
• Messages telling you about prize competitions or sweepstakes you’ve won but never entered.
• Solicit donations to unknown charities.
• Suspicious calls claiming to be from a known company, asking for personal information or additional payments.

There is a simple but very effective way to protect yourself: pay correctly. Don’t send money orders or prepaid gift cards to people you don’t know. Legitimate businesses typically don’t ask for these types of payments, according to the attorney general’s office. He also offers other tips to avoid being scammed:

He did not fall for pressure tactics. Legitimate companies that want your business give you time to think about the offer, research your options, and shop around. It should raise red flags if you are asked to make an immediate decision. Don’t be afraid to leave.

Protect your personal information. Do not give your social security number, credit card information, or bank account numbers to anyone who contacts you. Even if they claim to be from a reliable company, it’s good practice to call the company back at a number you trust to confirm.

Do your homework. If an unknown company gives you an offer, or if someone asks for donations to an unknown charity, research them before making a decision. You can check with friends and family or look them up online to find more information. For charities, you can use the Minnesota Attorney General’s website to search a directory of organizations registered to solicit donations.

Get it in writing. Make sure you get written offers for any product or service and read any contract carefully – including the fine print. Be wary of contract language that forces you to pay for unwanted products or services you didn’t discuss.

Know your rights. If a company tells you over the phone that your computer has a virus, don’t send them any passwords or other sensitive information. Take your device to a trusted repair shop.

When a scam happens to you, it is critical that Minnesotans report the scams to the Attorney General’s Office or law enforcement authorities. Many people feel embarrassed when a scam happens to them, but the truth is that scammers and scammers are often professionals with years of experience. They are good at what they do and rely on people who are too embarrassed to protect others by speaking up.

Notify your local law enforcement agency immediately.

Keep copies of all communications with the scammer.

Or file a complaint with the Minnesota Attorney General’s Office online at www.ag.state.mn.us or by phone at 1-800-657-3787 for people in Greater Minnesota.