July 31, 2024 (SAINT PAUL) — Today, Attorney General Keith Ellison issued a warning to Minnesotans about how to spot and avoid telemarketing fraud.
The warning is part of the Attorney General’s monthly Scam Stopper series, aiming to help protect Minnesota consumers from common scams. "Telemarketing fraud is a $40 billion per year business," said Attorney General Ellison. "Sadly and shamefully, these professional crooks often target senior citizens or people with disabilities using all kinds of deceptive tactics. Here is what you need to know to avoid these scammers."
Telemarketing scammers work hard to exploit individuals—particularly vulnerable adults or seniors accustomed to doing business on a handshake. These scammers abuse the trust of people. It is essential that Minnesotans report scams to the Attorney General’s Office or law enforcement. Many people feel embarrassed when a scam happens to them, but the truth is that con artists and scammers are often professionals with years of experience. They are good at what they do, and they count on people feeling too embarrassed to protect others by speaking out. If a scam happens to you, the best thing to do is report it right away.
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