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7/8/2009

Lexington, KY - It seems like every time you turn around, there's a new round of unsolicited phone calls hitting your telephone or cell phone. Your Better Business Bureau has received hundreds of phone calls and emails from consumers complaining about phone calls like this one:

“There are no problems currently with your account, however it is urgent that you contact us concerning your eligibility for lowering your credit card interest rates...”

or,

“This is our final attempt to reach you for your last chance to discuss lowering your credit card interest rate."

These telemarketers say they can work with your credit card companies to lower those interest rates. They make it sound easy! Who wouldn't like to pay less on their credit card bills? But not so fast.

Some of these offers require large up-front fees to basically do nothing more than try and negotiate lower interest rates with your credit card company….which you can try to do on your own for free. Some of these offers deliver nothing.

Red flags of a possible fraudulent offer include:

• Not telling you the exact name and location of their company, but using a generic name like "card services."
• Calling even though you are on the national "Do Not Call" list. Many people are complaining of that happening.
• Implying they are with your credit card company. Some people have complained they were led to believe that at first.
• Implying that all the credit card companies work with them. There's no guarantee your credit card provider will do that.

If the calls continue and you're on the do not call list, complain to the Federal Trade Commission (www.donotcall.gov). If a telemarketer does not want to give you information to check them out first, don't fall for it!

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Be a "Don’t Fall for It!" informant! If you have something to share you believe may be a fraudulent offer or scam, please let the BBB know! Call us at (859) 259-1008 or toll-free, 1-800-866-6668, or email us at info@bluegrass.bbb.org.