Arizona Elder Fraud Prevention Team

Victimization Issues

Why Does Someone Fall For a Telephone Line

UNDERSTANDING VICTIMIZATION

Quality of Life Issues
loneliness, helplessness, boredom
Common Personality Traits
Agents of Influence

VICTIM PROFILE
Five Categories of Victims
Gregarious--friendly to everyone
Can’t pass a good deal
Can’t be fooled
Vulnerable-experienced recent trauma
Na?¯ve-wants to believe

GOOD ADVICE MAY NOT WORK
Agents of Influence:
Speak to our emotions and needs
Use positions of authority for credibility
Act friendly-use first names
Rely upon scarcity and fear
Give sense of urgency, immediacy

RED FLAGS
The caller is from Canada
The caller is from a well know publishing house, customs office, law firm
The caller has a large sum of money in your name
The caller needs money for taxes or fees
The fee must be sent now.

PREVENTION TECHNIQUES
Reduce unwanted calls-Telephone Preference Service
Do business with those you know and trust
Do not give confidential information-not even partial information
Don’t sign up for contests or sweepstakes
Lost money is lost-beware of bogus recovery services scams

Telephone Solicitation Act

Telephone Solicitation Act
Requires more telemarketers to register with the Secretary of State
Must keep “Do Not Call” lists
No caller ID blocking devices
No pre-recorded messages

Deceptive Mail & Prevention Act

Deceptive Mail & Prevention Act
Sweepstakes promoters must have address or toll free # for notification
Promoter has 60 days to take name off list
In effect until person makes written request
Private citizen can sue in state court if not taken off list
$500 or actual monetary losses

Links

Arizona Attorney General's Office
Federal Trade Commission