(April 25, 2003, 1:45 p.m.) Even though the military action in Iraq has ended,
Americans are being warned to watch out for scam artists using the war to prey
on your sense of patriotism and fears about homeland security. Consumer lawyer
Alan Kopit has tips on how these swindlers operate and what you can do to protect
yourself.
AT VFW POST 11-97 in Batavia, Illinois, patriotic Americans assemble and ship
out care packages to the troops. The veterans here have been at it since the
start of Operation Iraqi Freedom and more than 2000 packages, all of which were
donated by the community, have been sent to the troops. Many seniors are veterans
of World War II, the Korean War, and Vietnam, and they know first hand the
hardships of war on soldiers and their families. They want to help soldiers and
their loved ones today, just as they may have been helped years ago. Yet con
artists know that emotions about the war and homeland security give them a sense
of legitimacy - they prey on your sense of patriotism and fear to steal your
savings, your identity and your trust. This article will give you some tips on
how to protect against these shameless swindlers
.
Types of War Scams
At least four broad types of scams have been identified by groups such as the
Better Business Bureau and
other consumer-watch organizations:
Pleas for funds to help those fighting in the war, the victims of the war, or their families
Appeals to patriotism, with claims of government affiliation or approval
Promotions related to homeland security that hype fear and panic
?Investment scams driven by market fears over the war
Specific Examples of some of the more creative scams.
There seems to be no end to the creativity of con artists:
Particularly in areas of the country where military bases are located, telemarketers have called citizens allegedly to collect money for the troops and their loved ones. The persons doing the soliciting were not affiliated with a known charity, and refused to provide information when asked.
Appeals have been made using sound-a-like charities purportedly to collect money for disabled veterans, homeless veterans, and war orphans. Websites have popped up which purport to collect money for organizations both “for” and “against” the war.
Telemarketers are offering military families an Internet service providing daily alerts and bulletins from the front lines. They ask for a credit card number in payment for this service.
T-shirt companies are claiming to give 100% of their profits to the Red Cross for use by our soldiers, but, in fact, had no Red Cross affiliation.
A telemarketer was contacting people by phone or leaving a message asking you to voice your opinion about war activities on a “900” number. What he didn't tell you was that there was a charge for “your opinion” ($2.95 per minute for a minimum of two minutes).
Telemarketers claimed to sell survival kits purportedly required by the government — all they needed before sending you the kit is your checking account number.
Investment scams are being promoted seeking to sell oil and gas contracts because of the fears of shortages the war could bring.
Precautions you can take
Unless you know the organization to which you are giving your money, consider
the following precautions to ensure that your donation dollars benefit the people
and organizations you want to help:
Use common sense.
Ask for written information, including the organization’s name, address and telephone number. Remember that any legitimate organization will give you materials outlining its mission or purpose, how your donation will be used, and proof that your contribution is tax deductible (if they claim that it is). If someone refuses to provide that information because there “isn't time” or because it is “too costly,” give your money somewhere else.
Do not reveal personal information or financial information, including credit card numbers, bank account numbers, or social security numbers, to anyone you do not know. Often the actual (hidden) scam is to steal your personal information rather than to get you to donate money or buy some product.
Refuse all high-pressure appeals. Do not succumb to sales pressure. Take your time to evaluate the offer or request and determine whether the offer sounds legitimate. Particular attention should be paid to high-pressure “investment” offers.
Ask if your contribution is tax deductible. Not all organizations whose names sound like a charity really are, and your contribution may not be tax deductible even though you think it is. Make your check payable to the official name of the group or charity. Do not use initials and do not send cash.
If you suspect fraud, don't get involved. If you have any suspicions, hang up
the phone on a telemarketer, ignore the unsolicited email, and throw away the
mail you received. There are many fine, legitimate charities who are helping our
troops and their families, and there is no need to get involved with anyone who
is the least bit suspicious.
Check out the offer or request before giving
There are several organizations you can contact to verify the legitimacy of the solicitor:
The Council of Better Business Bureaus, 4200 Wilson Boulevard, Suite 800, Arlington, Virginia 22203-1838, (703) 276-0100, website: www.bbb.org.
If the scam involves homeland security, check with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (www.ready.gov) for tips on how to protect your family in case of a terrorist attack. There is a lot you can do on your own without incurring substantial expense.
If you are considering stocking medical-related products or supplies, consult the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (www.fda.gov) about drugs/health remedies and the Centers for Disease Control (www.cdc.gov) for information on terrorism and public health.
One final word: Don't be swayed by claims of government affiliation, government approval, or other government references. It is a common tactic used by scam artists to imply legitimacy and establish trust. And above all, use your common sense.
By Alan S. Kopit - The Today Show - Courtesy of MSNBC.com
The issues or opinions expressed are not necessarily those of USResolve.org.
Disclaimer: With all respect due our elected leaders: ANY Judgment of our elected leaders should be reserved for God. He alone has the wisdom to judge the rightoussness of the deeds, actions, or inactions of those in authority, and only the Lord can carry out just and everlasting punishment for those who offend Him.
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