I-Team Alert: Imposter Telephone Scams Rising In Texas
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Scammers are a creative bunch. They successfully use old tricks and technology to con you out of your money.
According to a government report, last year alone, more than 64,672 Texans complained about phone scams.
We've all gotten some of these calls - a government official saying you have to pay up because you didn't show up for jury duty. Or, that you've won a lottery if only you could send us some money.
"It's a full blown category called imposter scams," says Assistant Regional director at the Federal Trade Commission
But what can do you even if you know it's a scam?
The report the I-Team obtained from the FTC says Texas ranks 3rd in the nation for these phone impostor scams. And, more than 50% of fraud nationwide is by phone.
You can:
1. Call the FTC at 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357)
2. File a complaint with the Texas Attorney General's local office.
3. File a complaint at the local Better Business Bureau
"If you file complaint with those three agencies, it's going to get on all our radar screens," says Elliott.
To reduce the number of calls coming your way try signing up for the Do Not Call List at FTC.gov or call
1-888-382-1222 to register. Make sure you are calling from the number you want on the Do Not Call list.
When you're on the phone… these are the words to watch out for:
"Don't Hang Up"
"Ignoring This Can Be a Criminal Offense"
"You've Been Specially Selected"
"Don't hang up until the payment is made"
New scams are created every day. The Tarrant County's sheriff's office says phone customers should treat their phones like they would an unlocked door to their home.
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