Although telephone soliciting, or telephone marketing in a
legitimate business practice, care should be
taken as common frauds do occur.
Preventative Tips
If you are contacted by a telephone solicitor and you are not
interested in the product or offer, simply
decline and hang up.
Never give out personal information over the telephone. Do
no allow yourself to be drawn into conversations
with strange callers, survey takers or telephone solicitors where
you are asked to reveal your name, address
marital status, or personal history. If in doubt, ask the caller
for the name of the business and the telephone
number, so that you can return the call. Then, check the number
to ensure that it corresponds to the callers
information.
Do not give your Credit card number over the phone lines unless
you are absolutely certain that the caller is
legitimate. A common fraud is when someone obtains your credit
card number and then uses it to make their
own telephone purchases.
Be careful when someone offers to deliver a product to your
home. By telling them when it would be convenient,
you may be providing them with the times when your house will
be vacant.
Who To Contact
Your local consumer association or
Better Business Bureau
404-788 Beatty Street
Vancouver, BC, V6B 2M1
Telephone: 682-2711
If you are uncertain about a call and feel it may be fraudulent,
call your local police to seek their advice.