BBB warns of scam robo calls

Posted: Mar 5, 2012 3:04 PM by Melissa Canone

The Better Business Bureau of Acadiana has recently received numerous calls and letters from consumers across Acadiana complaining of repeated, unsolicited "robo" or automated calls to both home and cell phones.

The calls are recorded messages offering to lower credit card interest rates. Consumers report the message requests, "press 1 to speak with a representative." However, when they do so, the caller hangs up on them.

Consumers say the calls are annoying, continual and harassing. Several complainants said they do not even own a credit card and are still receiving these calls.

Some of the calls appear to be coming from "Card Holder Services," though there is no such company in Wisconsin at the phone number that the calls are allegedly coming from.

State law enforcement and the FCC are currently attempting to find those responsible for the calls. Likely, the perpetrator behind the calls is using a call "spoofing" mechanism. Spoofing is the practice of causing a telephone device to display a number on the recipient's caller I.D. that is not the actual originating phone number. It is accomplished by using a spoofing device or software mechanism.

If you receive such a phone call:

· Do Not Call Registry, operated by the Federal Trade Commission, with information available at www.donotcall.gov or (888) 382-1222. There is no separate registry for cell phones

· The BBB recommends that you report the call to the Federal Trade Commission at https://www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov/.

· Check with your phone provider. Many providers allow phone numbers to be blocked from calling you at no additional charge.

· Do not give out any personal or financial information over the phone to any unknown caller.

If you receive an unwanted call, tell them not to call back. If the telemarketer keeps calling back, file a complaint with the Do Not Call Registry through the FTC at www.ftc.gov.

The BBB purpose is not to act as an advocate for businesses or consumers but to act as a mutually trusted intermediary to resolve disputes and provide information to assist consumers in making wise buying decisions.

The BBB of Acadiana works for a trustworthy marketplace by maintaining standards for truthful advertising, investigating and exposing fraud against consumers and businesses. Please contact the BBB at www.acadiana.bbb.org or (337) 981-3497 24 hours a day for information on businesses throughout North America.

The BBB of Acadiana services the parishes of Acadia, Evangeline, Iberia, Lafayette, St. Martin, St. Landry and Vermilion.