Yahoo News / Associated Press - June 25, 2002
FTC Warns on Telemarketing Scheme
You're on this web site trying to learn how to protect your identity.
One trick we suggest is to say, "put
me on your do not call list" when telemarketers call during
dinner. Federal law requires telemarketers to keep track of people
who don't want to be called. Now, scammers and thieves are taking
advantage of what you've learned.
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is warning consumers that identity
thieves, masquerading as federal employees, are calling people and
asking them to confirm that they've requested to be put on a "do
not call list." In order to make sure they have the "right
person", they are asking the victims to provide social security,
bank account, or credit card numbers.
Here's where common sense comes into play. The FTC does not have
the time or the money to call every person in the United States
asking if they want to be put on a "do not call list."
Plus, the telemarketing companies would probably sue the government
if they tried it.
The bottom line for avoiding scams: If it sounds fishy, it probably
is fishy. Just hang up.
Get more information about the 18 DEC 2002 announcement regarding
the FTC's creation of a national
Do Not Call Registry.
