How to Avoid Fraud Over the Telephone
To avoid fraud when purchasing goods over the telephone, follow these simple protective measures:
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Make sure that you know the company with which you are dealing, whether the company calls you or you make the call. The company should be willing to provide its name, street address and phone number.
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If you need more information about a company, check it out with the consumer protection office or the office of the attorney general where the business is located.
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Do not give credit card or checking account information over the telephone unless you know the company, are certain about the quality of its products or services, and are making a purchase.
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Ask for written information about sales transactions. You should expect to receive a written confirmation of costs, and terms and conditions of purchase transactions. Ask about price, including all fees, delivery charges, and sales tax. Insist on a detailed description of the goods and services that you are considering for purchase.
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Ask about guarantees and refunds, and make sure you have them in writing before you make a financial commitment.
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Do not agree to send cash by mail or wire services. Be wary of requests to send funds by a courier service.
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Resist high-pressure tactics.
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Be skeptical about offers that sound too good to be true.