DON’T GET SCAMMED

The Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office receives complaints often from citizens reporting they have been scammed or calling because they have been contacted by organizations who are soliciting for donations. It is difficult to ascertain who is legitimate from someone who is trying to get money by scamming.

Many legitimate companies and charities solicit consumers by phone. Unfortunately, con artists use the phone too. Fraudulent telemarketers understand human nature as we all want to believe it is our lucky day. Remember, nothing in life is free.

Older people are targeted by fraudulent telemarketers because they are home during the day to receive phone calls. They have savings and are most times too polite to hang up. Some use scare tactics, want you to act immediately, refusal to send written information, demands for payment of taxes or customs fees to claim a prize.

Know your “do-not-call” rights. Place your number on the national “do-not-call” registry to stop most telemarketing calls. Call 888-382-1222, TTY 866-290-4326 or go to www.donotcall.gov. Report violations of your “do-not-call” rights through the “do-not-call” number or Web site.