Fraud: just a dingaling away

    It’s like clockwork.

    You sit down to dinner and the phone rings.

    You answer it.

    The caller is trying to sell you something or tell you that you have won a fabulous prize.

    If you’re tempted by the offer, get the facts.

    Otherwise, you might buy into a fraud.

    American consumers lose more than $40 billion a year to telemarketing fraud.

    To protect them against becoming a victim, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) offers advice to consumers.

    Never give your credit card, bank account numbers or Social Security number on the telephone unless you are familiar with the company and know why the information is necessary.

    The FTC says most promotions for foreign lotteries are likely to be phony. Furthermore, it is illegal for U.S. citizens to enter foreign sweepstakes and lotteries.

    Laws restrict calling time to the hours between 8 a.m. and 9 p.m. It is illegal for telemarketers to lie about their goods or services, earnings potential, profitability, risk or nature of a prize in a prize-promotion scheme.

    In addition, it is illegal for a telemarketer to withdraw money from a person’s checking account without his express, verifiable authorization.

    It also is illegal for a telemarketer to call you if you have asked not to be called.

    Take your time when presented with a sales opportunity. Ask for written information about the product, service, investment opportunity or charity that is being pitched.

    Finally, hang up if you are asked to pay for a prize. Free is free.

    If you suspect a scam, call your state attorney general—in Texas, John Cornyn. The consumer protection hotline number is 800-621-0508.