Complain about a product or service

Some Scammers Hide Out In Your Local Phone Book

February 24, 2006
Scammers have infiltrated a variety of trusted information sources, including your local telephone book.

Maine Attorney General Steven Rowe says many out-of-state telemarketers routinely maintain listings in the white pages that are intended to deceive consumers into believing they are local, legitimate businesses.

For example, they might use town names and local exchange numbers, posing as a local florist. Calls to those numbers get forwarded to "boiler rooms" that take orders and credit card information for payment.

The telemarketers may or may not forward orders to an area florist. But even if they do, they pocket a hefty processing fee and sometimes a percentage of the sale as well.

The consumer is oblivious to the scam until they get higher than expected charges from an unfamiliar company on their credit card statement, or learn that the flowers weren’t delivered as ordered.

How do you protect yourself?

Rowe says only select local businesses that that list a street address with their phone number. If you’re asking directory assistance for a number, also ask for the street number and address. If there isn’t one, consider doing business somewhere else.

Ask the florist for directions to the shop. If they hesitate or refuse, consider this a red flag. Finally, ask the person taking the order to itemize all the charges.

Report Your Experience
If you've had a bad experience -- or a good one -- with a consumer product or service, we'd like to hear about it. All complaints are reviewed by class action attorneys and are considered for publication on our site. Knowledge is power! Help spread the word. File your consumer report now.

Back to the top |