How to Avoid Telemarketing and Internet Scams

We all love to believe we've been offered a "deal", have won a contest, or have come upon good fortune. However, unfortunately, we live in a world polluted with telemarketers eager to take advantage of you and grab your money. However, if you see the red lights that scream, "telemarketing scam" you are less likely to be fooled and scammed of your hard-earned money.

Does the offer sound too good to be true? If it sounds too good to be true, chances are, it is not true. If an offer doesn't sound logical, beware. Also, avoid high-pressure sales pitches. Note that if an offer is actually legitimate, you wouldn't have to have someone call you or pay to advertise it.

Here are few warning signs that signal a telemarketing fraud...

*The person calling or emailing you asks for your monetary help before you can claim a "fortune." Have you ever received an email promising instant wealth if you just sent a "small" sum of money? The notorious Nigerian email scam has been around now for years, but it's still scamming naive people. If you receive an email, letter or fax that promises you wealth instructing you to "just send in some preliminary money and then you'll receive a fortune," don't believe it. Realize that no one is going to share even a fraction of a million dollar in heritance if you use your bank account or your name to transfer funds to the United States. Tragically, some gullible people have lost their life savings to this fraud.

*Does the telemarketer ask for personal information, such as your Social Security Number, credit cards, bank account over the phone? Never share your personal information with anyone over the phone or internet unless you instigate the call. Be aware that banks (as well as others that are offering credit cards) never call their customers asking for personal information. Also, be careful to never give out personal information in email. Again, companies do not ask for this information (such as Social Security numbers, credit card numbers, etc.) in emails.