How Can I Protect Myself Against Telemarketing Frauds?
If a telephone promoter promises to make you rich, claims you’re the "big winner" of a fabulous prize or says they need your financial help, check the story carefully before you act. Remember: It’s okay to simply hang up on any high-pressure or suspicious phone call.
Protect yourself against phoney telephone promoters by following this advice:
- Never pay any kind of a fee for a prize or to claim lottery winnings.
- Never share information about your finances, bank accounts and credit cards (not even the expiry date) unless you know the person or company you are dealing with.
- Beware of high-pressure sales tactics. Reputable companies always respect your choices.
- Never send money to someone who insists on immediate payment.
- Be cautious when someone offers you a business or investment “opportunity” from an unknown source.
- Do your homework. Check out the company and its investments, products and services before buying anything or investing money.
- Always speak with a financial advisor or someone you trust in financial matters before responding to a telemarketing call about investment opportunities or financial services such as insurance.
Don’t be embarrassed. Come forward and help police capture the scam artist(s) to prevent others from being scammed. See Who To Talk To If You Think You’ve Been Scammed.
