There are some scams that just seem to be like the common cold as they show up in an annoying cycle. The most recent resurgence is the “We can lower the interest rate on your credit card if you simply pay an small fee upfront and we can give you financial freedom”! They say that they have special relationships with the credit card companies and can reduce the interest rate and save you money. But, it is a scam when it comes to your voice mail or answering machine by robocall.
The fact is that the consumer has as good a relationship with the credit card providers as these scammers. As a customer, it is in the credit card company’s best interest to offer reasonable service. It also a fact that these same companies do not want to lose revenue. So, the consumer is placed in a position of having to be their own advocate. But, the FTC (Federal Trade Commission) has recently added an amendment to their Telemarketing Sales Rule which states that “no debt relief provider can charge upfront charges before providing services”. Any cost has to be placed in an account of a third party and paid out after completion of a satisfactory resolution.
But, this does not stop the telemarketers from using scare tactics and false promises to get you hooked. The “Do Not Call List” is also not immune to allowing these unwanted calls. The FTC has located some of the call centers but they continue to show up on our radar and voice mails.
Unfortunately, I have pressed 1 to talk to a representative and told them to stop calling and they hang up! Press 3 to “opt out” and they still call. My suggestion is to get the NSA involved. They already have everyone’s number and they should treat them as terrorists. Take that Robocaller!
The fact is that the consumer has as good a relationship with the credit card providers as these scammers. As a customer, it is in the credit card company’s best interest to offer reasonable service. It also a fact that these same companies do not want to lose revenue. So, the consumer is placed in a position of having to be their own advocate. But, the FTC (Federal Trade Commission) has recently added an amendment to their Telemarketing Sales Rule which states that “no debt relief provider can charge upfront charges before providing services”. Any cost has to be placed in an account of a third party and paid out after completion of a satisfactory resolution.
But, this does not stop the telemarketers from using scare tactics and false promises to get you hooked. The “Do Not Call List” is also not immune to allowing these unwanted calls. The FTC has located some of the call centers but they continue to show up on our radar and voice mails.
Unfortunately, I have pressed 1 to talk to a representative and told them to stop calling and they hang up! Press 3 to “opt out” and they still call. My suggestion is to get the NSA involved. They already have everyone’s number and they should treat them as terrorists. Take that Robocaller!
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