Under current banking procedures, these documents are accepted by banks and paid. The Department warns consumers not to give out bank account or credit card information over the telephone. You may call the same number to file a complaint. It's tempting to believe that fraud only happens to someone else B someone less educated, less sophisticated, less financially astute. But, victims belong to all social and economic classes and age groups.
Senior citizens are favorite targets of con artists.
While people over age 65 comprise only 12 percent of the population nationwide, they make up 30 percent of scam victims. Swindlers also infiltrate social groups, including garden clubs, ethnic organizations and churches, to target victims more efficiently. The heart of the telemarketing operation is a room filled with desks, telephones and salespeople who call hundreds of prospective customers all over the country. Most are assertive and highly skilled in conversational patter. Salespeople use persuasive sales pitches, weaving together facts and half-truths.