CONSUMER ALERT- Attorney General Long Cautions Consumers of Telemarketing Scam

PIERRE, S.D. – Attorney General Larry Long is warning South Dakota consumers to be cautious of telemarketers who are calling and telling consumers that they are eligible to receive promotional items, such as gas coupons, movie passes or calling cards for a low price. The telemarketers typically quote prices such as $1.99 to $3.99. The catch is that once the consumer provides a checking account number, their account is charged for amounts from $99 to $499. Long’s Consumer Protection Division has received several calls this week including some that have been victims of this scam.

"Do not give out personal identifying information, such as your social security number, credit card or bank account numbers to someone that you do not know," said Long. "If you have given this information out you need to monitor your accounts and dispute fraudulent charges immediately." 

If you are doing business by phone it is much safer to use your credit card because bank and checking accounts lack buyer protection. Consumers should be wary of any telemarketers who wants bank and checking account information, but is reluctant to take a credit card. Credit cards are safer than electronic checks or debit cards because a consumer’s responsibility for fraudulent credit card transactions is limited.

If you have questions or concerns about this scam you should contact the Division of Consumer Protection at 1-800-300-1986 or http://atg.sd.gov/Consumers.aspx.

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