The telephone rings. You race to answer it only to find that there is a stranger at the other end, a telemarketer, trying to sell you something over the phone. More often than not, you are not interested in the product or service being offered. But sometimes, something catches your attention, something too good to be true. We all want to believe that it's our lucky day, that we can get a great deal, or that we can solve our problems...so you listen.
Listening is harmless. The danger is when you respond to a request for your personal information, your bank account or debit card numbers or your online banking user name and password! It's surprising how easily confidential information can be divulged, leaving you an unsuspecting victim of telephone fraud.
Telephone fraudsters understand human behavior and will prey on your hopes, your dreams and your fears. There are a number of telephone and telemarketing scams out there. To shield yourself from becoming a victim, visit The National Fraud Information Center's Telemarketing Fraud Information and Telemarketing Fraud Tips.
To make it easier and more efficient for consumers to stop most unwanted telemarketing calls, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) launched the National Do Not Call Registry in June 2003. You can register your home phone or your personal cell phone for the National Do Not Call Registry online or call toll-free, 1-888-382-1222 (TTY 1-866-290-4236) from the number you wish to register. Registration is free. Make certain that you initiate contact. Be suspicious of an incoming telephone call regarding the Do Not Call List.
Remember: No one from Florence Savings Bank will call you and ask for personal information or bank account information.