1. Helping Telemarketing Fraud Victims

2. Fraud victims may feel a range of emotions  Anger and betrayal toward perpetrator  Shame and embarrassment  Guilt for losing family’s money  Fear of financial insecurity  Concern about physical safety  Fear of criticism by family and friends  Anger that no one prevented the scam  Frustration about inability to get money back immediately  Concern about possible loss of independence Law enforcement and social service agencies can’t solve all these problems, but they may be able to help fraud victims work their way through them

3. Tell victims  It could happen to anyone, regardless of age, sex, income, education, occupation, origins  They’re not alone. If you know and can share fact that there are other victims, that can be reassuring Shift the blame  It’s the perpetrator’s fault, not the victim’s  Crooks appeal to human nature  We all want to believe it’s our lucky day  Crooks are skillful at convincing people promises are true  Some victims may have been foolish or greedy, but it’s not right for crooks to steal by lying to them

4. Encourage victims to report fraud  Explain process, whether there is chance of public exposure  Explain that every complaint makes action more likely  Help victims gather documents, make complaints Reassure victims about safety  Crooks are usually far away, unlikely to cause any physical harm  If victims are harassed or threatened, urge them to report to authorities  In case of severe harassment by phone, may need to change phone number

5. Be realistic with victims  Encourage them to provide information, but don’t raise false hopes  Formal legal action may never be taken or may take a long time  If complaints will be mediated informally, attempts to mediate may not resolve problems  May not be possible to retrieve money  When restitution possible, may not be whole amount  Victims may not get regular updates

6. Turn victims into fraud fighters  Information they provide may stop perpetrators even if restitution not possible  Ask if they’re willing to be interviewed by media, testify before legislature, have stories used in other outreach  Even if they won’t “go public,” they may allow their stories to be used without their names  Victims may be interested in volunteering in your office, speaking to peers at community events  Encourage them to report future attempts to defraud  Get their help to connect to clubs, civic organizations, churches, other groups with which they have contact

7. Ask victims how the fraud has impacted family  You may be able to help family understand what has happened, not to blame victim  If victim is willing, family may be able to assist in making complaint, deal with financial problems, help in other ways as needed  Family members must be sensitive to victim’s concern about maintaining independence  Unless victim is incapacitated, should be free to manage own affairs  Encourage but don’t pressure victim to involve family

8. Ask victims about financial impact of fraud  Loss could be minor or have major financial impact  Victims may be temporarily unable to pay bills  Loss could be so severe that victims can’t meet basic needs  Older victims may be unable to earn money back  Victims may need to negotiate lower or deferred payment with creditors  Victims may need help budgeting  Nonprofit credit counseling service may be able to help  If need is urgent – utilities about to be shut off – victim may give you consent to contact creditors directly  Local charities may be able to provide financial assistance

9. Financial losses can be ongoing  If crooks have victims’ bank account numbers, may continue to debit accounts  May be necessary to change account numbers Fraud can cause serious emotional, physical problems  Suggest victims get help from doctors, counselors, clergy, social service professionals, as appropriate  Confiding in family, friends may also be helpful  Create a support group so victims can help each other cope with problems

10. Warn victims they may be solicited again  Some crooks contact again to ask for more money “Sorry that investment didn’t work out but this one is a sure thing” “You sent taxes for the sweepstakes but now you need to pay the customs fee”  Victims’ information may be shared with other crooks  May be contacted by “recovery service” promising to get money back (for upfront fee)  Important for victims to know that law enforcement agencies don’t ask for payment to help them

11. Help victims develop anti-fraud strategies  Talk about warning signs of fraud  Use their situation as example  Give them educational materials  Ask what they would suggest to someone else who might be contacted by con artist   Encourage them to follow that advice themselves  Urge them to check on any solicitations they question with state or local consumer agency, BBB

12. Encourage victims to get off telemarketing lists  Put their numbers on national “do not call” registry  They can do it, or family member can help  Call 888-382-1222, TTY 866-290-4326 from phone they want to register  People who live in buildings that use PBX phone systems may not be able to register by phone  Register online at www.donotcall.govwww.donotcall.gov  Registration may not stop fraudulent telemarketers from calling  But may help victims distinguish legitimate callers from fraudulent  Answering machines can help to screen calls  Don’t fill out contest entry forms from unknown companies, used to compile “sucker lists”