HARTFORD (Legal Newsline) -- Connecticut Attorney General George Jepsen issued a consumer alert on Wednesday about prerecorded calls from "Wendy" or "Rachel" from cardholder services offering to lower credit card interest rates because they are scams.
The automated robocalls claim to have an important message about an opportunity to reduce interest rates, urging consumers to press one to connect to a live representatives. If consumers press one, they are connected to live telemarketers who claims that they will deliver a reduced rate on a credit card for a fee.
The Federal Trade Commission reports that after consumers pay a fee that can total thousands of dollars, the companies do little to nothing to reduce credit card interest rates. Federal law prohibits companies that sell relief services from charging a fee prior to the settlement or reduction of debt. Prerecorded sales calls of this nature are often illegal.
"My office has received numerous complaints and calls about these robocalls, and the best advice for any consumer who receives one of these calls is to immediately hang up," Jepsen said. "For consumers looking to lower their interest rates, your best option is to avoid a persuasive sales pitch, call the customer service number on the back of your credit card and request a reduced rate."
Conn. AG says 'Wendy' and 'Rachel' are scammers
