If someone has just received a piece of literature in the mail offering a quick cure for memory loss, back pain, arthritis, or some other illness, and it only costs the unbelievable price of $49.95, don’t rush off to get the checkbook. Despite the testimonials listed from “real” people that claim the item is a miracle, it is really nothing more than a scam, a cheap, dishonest way of making good people part with their hard-earned money.
Unfortunately, most scammers today tend to target the older generation. They make false promises of miracle cures, financial security, or luxurious prizes. These scam artists are smart, very persuasive, and can even be aggressive. Almost anyone can fall prey to them, and just about everyone has at one point in their life been taken in by these Snake Oil Peddlers. Don’t let this happen, especially if one relies on a fixed income.
Fraud Statistics
According to the FTC, almost 25 million Americans are victims of fraud every year. Senior citizens continue to be prime targets for these con artists because they are believed to be more vulnerable and more susceptible to their tricks.
Protection from Scammers
- If it sounds too good to be true, it most likely is. Ask for the offer in writing, to take time looking it over and do some research on it. Shop around and don’t let the salesperson pressure one into making a decision right away.
- Never give out any personal information, such as social security number, credit card number, or bank account number, over the phone if they have initiated the call. Legitimate businesspersons will never ask for this information, and it is illegal for telemarketers to request it.
- Don’t buy anything that promises a quick cure. People selling these items know that testimonials and medical jargon will appeal to the emotions, which they hope will rule out over reason.
- Use the power of the word no! It’s okay to turn someone down, especially if they don’t sound on the up-and-up. A caller knows that the longer they keep a person on the phone, the better chance they have of succeeding in their sales, so if the product being offered isn't interesting, say so right away, and then hang up.
- Pay attention to items received in the mail. Con artists will use official looking forms or letters to lure their victims in. If one receives something in the mail that one did not order, that person is under no obligation to pay for it.
- Believe in the gut. If something sounds suspicious, check with the local law enforcement agency or the Better Business Bureau.
What to do if Someone Has Become a Victim to a Scam
If one has fallen victim to a scam, don’t feel bad. Many people think they are too smart to let something like this happen to them, but these con artists have been around a long time and have some pretty good tricks up their sleeves. They have managed to fool all kinds of people – from doctors and scientists to teens and senior citizens - out of their money. According to the Consumer Law Center, Inc. (CLC), Americans lose an estimated $40 billion each year to fraudulent sales of consumer goods over the phone alone.
If one feels that they been ripped off by a con artist, report it to the police, the local consumer affairs office, or the district attorney’s office. Don’t be embarrassed by it. Even some of the smartest people have been taken in!
The best rule to remember in these situations is that if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Don’t become a statistic, become a knowledgeable consumer instead.
For more information, visit the Federal Trade Commission website at www.ftc.gov.
Marianne Podgorski - Marianne Podgorski, born and raised in southeastern Michigan, grew up watching classic horror movies of the great Vincent Price, ...
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