Telemarketing Fraud

When you answer the phone and the person on the other end has a deal that is too good to be true, it is just that.

Consumers lose an estimated $100 billion annually to scams and frauds, $40 billion of which is perpetrated over the telephone and through the mail.

Protect yourself:

Never give personal information, such as credit card, bank account or Social Security numbers, to someone calling you on the phone.

Never agree to send a stranger a check or cash by overnight delivery, wire or courier.

Be careful returning phone calls to those wishing to sell or give you something. Calls made to 900 numbers can be very costly.

Request mailed information from charities to which you might consider making a donation.

Do not enter contests that require money sent with the entry.

If you feel you are the victim of consumer fraud, contact the Venice Police Department at (941) 486-2444.