While it is sometimes difficult to tell a legitimate travel offer from a fraudulent one, there are some precautions you can take. Ask for the travel offer in writing, so you can check details. You can try to check the reliability of the travel company by calling your local consumer protection office or the local BBB, but remember, they cannot vouch for the company, but only can tell you if they have any complaints logged under the company name. Learn more by writing for the free FTC brochure, Telemarketing Travel Fraud. Typical investments sold by fraudulent telemarketers include coins, gemstones, interests in oil wells and gold mining operations, oil and gas leases, and the sale of precious metals such as gold and silver.
Con artists direct their sales pitches to the universal desire to make money with little risk.
A caller usually will say that you have been specially selected to participate in an unusual investment opportunity. How to Protect Yourself Be wary of telephone investment opportunities that are guaranteed to be risk-free and provide a high return. Before you give anyone your money, it is best to get written information about an investment, to invest in businesses you know something about, and to discuss the matter with a knowledgeable person. Mining for Gold. With this scam, an unscrupulous telemarketer may use a variety of methods to trick you into purchasing multiple-year magazine subscriptions you really may not want or could purchase elsewhere for less.