Attorney General's News Release

Sept. 15, 1998

Nixon's office gives tips on combating telemarketing fraud at Community Mobilization & Partnerships Conference

Osage Beach, Mo. — Attorney General Jay Nixon's office, in conjunction with the Missouri chapter of the American Association of Retired Persons, today stressed the importance of community efforts to attack telemarketing fraud during the Community Mobilization and Partnerships Conference in Osage Beach. The event, sponsored by the Missouri Department of Public Safety, was attended by more than 200 law enforcement, victim advocates, community leaders and officials.

"Consumers nationwide lose an estimated $40 billion a year to telemarketing fraud," Nixon said. "Our goal is to raise awareness to telemarketing fraud so individuals who can make a difference will return to their communities and share valuable knowledge about ways Missourians can fight fraud."

Nixon's aggressiveness against illegal telemarketers has resulted in five telemarketing convictions and successful joint efforts with senior citizen groups to log telemarketing calls they receive in order to spot potential fraud.

"Telemarketers need to know we are dead serious about seeking and obtaining prison sentences when fraud is involved," Nixon said. "People who use the telephone to rob are criminals."

Nixon encourages communities to promote awareness to telemarketing fraud by stressing the following:

• Don't buy from an unfamiliar company. Legitimate businesses understand that you want more information about their company and are happy to comply.
• Always ask for and wait until you receive written material about any offer or charity. If you get brochures about costly investments, ask someone whose financial advice you trust to review them.
• Always take your time deciding. Legitimate companies won't pressure you to decide.
• Never respond to an offer you don't understand thoroughly.
• Never send money or give out your credit card or bank account number to unfamiliar companies.
• Be aware that any personal or financial information you provide could be sold to other companies.
• Always check out unfamiliar companies with the Better Business Bureau or by calling the Attorney General's Consumer Protection Hotline at 800-392-8222.

Inquiries from consumers should be directed to consumer@ago.mo.gov or 1-800-392-8222 (from within Missouri) or 573-751-3321 (outside Missouri).

All media inquiries should be directed to Press Secretary John Fougere.

E-mail      Phone: 573-751-8844         Fax: 573-751-5818