Scam Prevention Worksheet
By: Source: AARP Bulletin Today Date Posted: 2003-06-30 13:03:15
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Print out this checklist, and keep it handy when telemarketers call. The questions will help you to determine whether a telemarketing call is legitimate or not. You also should save your notes from each call in case you develop concerns about a donation or purchase after the call.
If a caller doesn't provide satisfactory answers to your questions, hang up immediately.
1. Note the date and time of the call ________________
Is the call before 8 a.m. or after 9 p.m.? ___ Yes ___ No
What to watch out for: Hang up if the answer is yes. All organizations that follow federal telemarketing guidelines must limit their calls to this 13-hour period.
2. Has the caller fully identified the organization that he/she represents immediately after you answer? ___ Yes ___ No
Does the caller work for the organization itself or for a fund-raising firm? ________________
Ask for and jot down the full name, address and phone number of the person making the call and the organization(s) that the caller represents:
| Organization | Fund-Raising Firm |
| ______________ | ______________ |
| ______________ | ______________ |
| ______________ | ______________ |
| ______________ | ______________ |
What to watch out for: Hang up if the caller hesitates or refuses to provide any of this information. Organizations that heed federal telemarketing guidelines should immediately identify themselves.
3. Does the caller represent a charitable organization? ___ Yes ___ No
What is the charitable purpose of the organization? ___________________
Is it registered with the state (with the Secretary of State, state Department of Justice or Attorney General)? ___ Yes ___ No
What percentage of its total income does the charity spend on its program? ______
What to watch out for: Don't settle for vague descriptions of the organization's activities that emphasize the problem without explaining what the charity is actually doing about it. Also, make sure that at least 50% to 60% of your donation will go toward actual charitable work—not fund-raising expenses.
4. Is the caller offering a product, service or contest of some sort? ___Yes ___ No
How much does the product or service cost? ________________
Is the sale final or nonrefundable? ___ Yes ___ No
Does the caller seek payment prior to delivering the product or service? ___ Yes ___ No
What to watch out for: Hang up if the caller seeks payment prior to delivery of the product or service—or if the offer does not come with a money-back guarantee.
5. Does the caller seek cash? ___ Yes ___ No
What to watch out for: Hang up immediately if the answer is yes. Legitimate organizations do not seek cash payments via the phone.
6. Will the caller send details of the charity or product/service in writing—and therefore give you time to carefully review the offer? ___ Yes ___ No
What to watch out for: Hang up immediately if the answer is no—or if you must act "right away." Legitimate organizations will respect your interest in taking time to review offers prior to making a decision.
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