Attorney General Ellison warns Minnesotans about telemarketing scams
July 31, 2024 (SAINT PAUL) — Today, Attorney General Keith Ellison issued a warning to Minnesotans about how to spot – and avoid – telemarketing fraud.
The warning is part of the Attorney General’s monthly Scam Stopper series, aiming to help protect Minnesota consumers from common scams. Click here to view and download a video message from Attorney General Ellison or click here to download an audio message.
"Telemarketing fraud is a $40 billion per year business,” said Attorney General Ellison. “Sadly and shamefully, these professional crooks often target senior citizens or people with disabilities using all kinds of deceptive tactics. Here is what you need to know to avoid these scammers.”
How the Scams Work
Telemarketing scammers work hard to exploit individuals – particularly that of more vulnerable adults, or seniors of a generation used to doing business on a handshake. Telemarketing scammers abuse the trust of folks. Here’s what people should watch for:
- High-pressure sales tactics that ask you to make an immediate decision
- Computer messages warning you of a virus and directing you to an unfamiliar help line or software vendor
- Messages informing you of prize contests or sweepstakes you’ve won, but never entered
- Asks for donations to unfamiliar charities
- Suspicious calls purporting to be from a familiar company, asking for personal information or additional payment
How to Protect Yourself
- Pay the right way
Don’t send money orders or prepaid gift cards to people you don’t know. Legitimate businesses typically don’t ask for these types of payments. - Don’t fall for pressure tactics
Legitimate companies that want your business allow you time to think about the offer, research your options, and shop around. It should raise red flags if you’re asked to make an immediate decision. Don’t be afraid to walk away. - Protect your personal information
Don’t give your social security number, credit card information, or bank account numbers to someone who reached out to you. Even if they claim to be from a trusted company, it’s good practice to call the company back at a number you trust to confirm. - Do your homework
If an unknown company makes you on offer, or if someone solicits donations for an unknown charity, research them before making a decision. You can check with friends and family or look them up online for find more information. For charities, you can use the Minnesota Attorney General’s website to search a directory of organizations registered to solicit donations. - Get it in writing
Make sure you get written offers for any product or service, and carefully read any contract – including the fine print. Be on the lookout for contract language that obligates you to pay for unwanted products or services that you did not discuss. - Know your rights
If a company tells you over the phone that your computer has a virus, don’t send them any passwords or other sensitive information. Take your device to a trusted repair shop.
When a Scam Happens to You
It is essential that Minnesotans report scams to the Attorney General’s Office or to law enforcement. Many people feel embarrassed when a scam happens to them, but the truth is that con artists and scammers are often professionals with years of experience. They are good at what they do, and they count on people feeling too embarrassed to protect others by speaking out. If a scam happens to you, the best thing to do is report it right away.
Reporting a Telemarketing Scam
If a telemarketing scam happens to you, here are a few steps to take:
- Promptly notify your local law enforcement agency
- Keep copies of all communications with the scammer
- File a complaint with the Office of Attorney General Keith Ellison online at www.ag.state.mn.us or on the phone at (651) 296-3353 for Twin Cities residents and (800) 657-3787 for people in Greater Minnesota.
