Don't be a Victim of a Phone Scam

Houston, TX (PRWEB) February 22, 2008

ConnectMyPhone.com, an interactive online service that helps consumers nationwide connect their phone service, is giving tips so people can avoid becoming a statistic in the phone scam.

It's not to say that all telemarketers should be shunned, because there are reputable companies who are looking to offer legitimate products or ask for donations to really help the needy. There are, however, a few bad apples out there looking to take advantage of honest people.

The following tips will help consumers distinguish the authentic phone sales person and safe guard themselves from phone scams.

• Decision Making - The consumer should not feel rushed into making a split decision on the phone. A legitimate organization will give the consumer time to mull it over without pressure.
• Personal Information - People should never give out their social security number, banking pin number or credit card number over the phone.
• P.O. Box Addresses - Folks should not send money to a P.O. Box address unless they are certain it is a legitimate company.
• Check out the Company or Charity - Before making a contribution or purchasing a product from a telemarketer, check with the Better Business Bureau to ensure the organization or company is legitimate.

A consumer's best bet is to tell the telemarketer they will call them back rather than to make a rash decision during that phone call. This buys the consumer time to investigate the company and decide what information is safe to disperse over the phone.

People may feel intimidated or shy to ask for time to think about the offer. A pushy sales person might even say the offer is only valid within a short time frame. A legitimate company will give the consumer the option to call back, and sometimes it is best to pass on that 'offer of a lifetime' than to risk having one's identity or money stolen.

About ConnectMyPhone
ConnectMyPhone provides customers with accurate and detailed information on the different phone services that are available to them. ConnectMyPhone is a free nationwide service that allows customers to find phone providers in their area, compare rates and sign up for service quickly and easily. ConnectMyPhone is part of the WhiteFence network.

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