How to avoid telemarketing fraud

Even if the envelope claims “You’re a Winner!” you might want to think twice before mailing in that sweepstakes voucher.It could be fake, and a con-artist might be getting the real winnings — out of your wallet.

Telemarketing fraud costs Georgia consumers nearly $500 million annually, according to the Georgia Governor’s Office of Consumer Affairs.

As an attempt to educate consumers, the state designated this week as the first annual Georgia Consumer Protection Week.

“The people who engage in (telemarketing) are professionals,” said Michael Rupured, University extension consumer economics specialist. “They are so good that they can persuade people who know better to give out credit card information for bogus products.”

Sweepstakes opportunities, prize offers and charity requests are all chances for con-artists to make money off unsuspecting victims.

The best way to make sure the person on the other end represents a legitimate business is by asking questions and checking the caller’s references, according to a Georgia consumer affairs office publication.

Telemarketers acquire names using different sources, such as magazine subscription lists and warranty cards, according to the publication.

A goal of the task force is to increase the number of consumers on the Georgia No-Call List. The list is sent to companies nationwide notifying them of people who want to be removed from call lists, he said.

To be placed on the Georgia No-Call list consumers can visit (www.ganocall.com).