By Nicole Levison

These statistics floored me: According to Congressional estimates, telemarketing fraud cheats Americans of at least $40 billion annually, and surveys by the American Association of Retired Persons reveal that more than half of those victims are age 50 and older. And that does not even include other forms of fraud, such as door-to-door sales, identify theft, staged accidents, and various scams, like work-at-home, travel, and sweepstakes cons!

What a way to pay back our elders!

Scams, Schemes, and Fraud = Crime

Fraud.org offers some great tips to avoid being taken advantage of and what to do if you or someone you love might be the victim of fraud. For instance:

• Remove Yourself From Lists. You can either call 888-382-1222 from the phone number you want to register or sign up online. Some points to note: registration only lasts five years, companies from whom you have purchased something within 18 months can still call (until you request otherwise), and you may have inadvertently provided written permission if you signed any contracts or forms—if so, you must specifically request that they do not call you any more.
  
  You can sue telemarketers that violate your federal “do not call” rights in small claims court for $500 (the court can triple that amount if the company knowingly broke the law).
  

• Keep Your Information Private. Protect (and do not supply without reason) your bank account, credit card, or Medicare numbers! Guard your Social Security number, as this confidential information is a major identifier (you can even request that department of motor vehicles or your health insurance company use an alternate number).
  
  Make sure your mail is secure—do not let it sit in the box, have the post office hold it if you will be away, and do not send payments from home (take it to the post office or a public mailbox).
  
  Ensure that your passwords and PINs (personal identification numbers) are secure. Do not carry them in your wallet or leave them anywhere they can be easily accessed.
  

• Beware of “Too Good to Be True” Deals. If someone calls or emails you requesting private information (an online practice referred to as “phishing”), be suspicious as legitimate companies do not request this information via email. Do not respond or provide any information! Instead, contact the organization directly if you believe that your account requires updating and forward the email here.
  
  Watch out for organizations that claim to be affiliated with the police or fire departments. If you are unsure, call the department for verification.
  
  If someone is trying to get you to act immediately, pay a fee up-front, or buy something in order to win something—forget being polite! Demand that they never call you again and hang up.
  

• Request It In Writing. Charities, employment agencies, finance departments, sweepstakes companies, travel agencies, and investment firms—if they are legal, they will supply details in writing.

• Do Your Research.Start with the Better Business Bureau.
  

• Always Read Your Statements. Some disreputable companies charge extra for services that were supposed to be free or were never ordered, a practice called “cramming.” If your bill has been crammed, report the discrepancy to your credit card company or bank (and don’t pay for the service!),and immediately cancel any dealings with that business.
  
  Never supply personal information (such as a credit card, bank account, or check number) for anything other than a purchase with a trusted company. You should never have to provide any of these for free trial periods/memberships or age verification.
  

  Mind Your Credit

  Once a year you may request free copies of these reports by calling 877-322-8228 or visiting www.AnnualCreditReport.com. Otherwise, you can purchase copies from the three different bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) for about $9 each at any time.

  If You Are a Victim of Fraud...

  Contact the Federal Trade Commission at 877-438-4338 or report Internet or telemarketing fraud online, or call 800-876-7060.

Above all, just say “no” to any deals or decisions that you do not want to make immediately. If the party is legitimate, they will respect your choice, and if they are disreputable, this response will usually scare them off. If all else fails, inform them that you need to consult with your attorney before you sign or decide upon anything. You’ll find that there is nothing more empowering that avoiding exploitation.