Scams & Cons: Avoiding Problems
by: Wyoming Legal Services - Lander Office
How Crooks Do It
How do crooks find your name and number to target you? Often crooks work in what's called a "boiler room." A boiler room is a rented space with desks, phones, and sales people.
These people talk to hundreds of people every day. They use phone books and mailing lists.
Crooks may buy mailing lists from credit card companies or other scam artists. These lists contain names, addresses, phone numbers, and other facts about people.
How can you avoid being scammed?
Hang up the phone!
Many of us were raised to be polite. We do not like to hurt people's feelings. We think we have to hear the caller out or wait for them to pause before we say "I'm not interested. Good-bye."
The fact is, the longer a scam artist has you on the phone, the more likely you are to do what he asks. They are nice, polite, and some of them sound like they want to be your friend.
Don't fall for it! You didn't invite them into your home -- they called you! You don't have to talk. Just hang up!
Watch for people who want you to feel sorry!
Some fake charities play up to your kindness.
- You might get a call from someone who says that they were injured fighting for our country.
- They might say that they are selling light bulbs or books to make a living.
- Some one might talk about how the police do not have enough money.
If you want to help, don't feel that you have to harden your heart. Instead, check out the person's story before you offer money.
- Tell the caller to call you back in a couple of days. (If it's a real charity it will still need money tomorrow).
- If they are asking for money for a charity, call the charity and ask some questions. Do not get the number from the caller. You could fall prey to another scam.
- Crooks often choose charity names that are close to the names of famous charities. If you are uncertain, ask the caller to send you some written facts. If the charity is real it will do so.
Don't give in to pressure!
Don't let yourself be pushed in to making a quick decision. Be careful if the person says these things
- The offer is only good that day.
- The price is going up soon.
- There is only a limited supply.
Don't fall for it! If the deal is fair there's no need to rush.
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