Scam Artists use War to Generate Interest in their Schemes

The BBB has identified three types of war-related pitches being used by legitimate organizations, as well as less reputable merchandisers: (1) pleas for funds to help victims of the war or those fighting in the war, (2) appeals to patriotism and claims of government affiliation or approval, and (3) promotions that hype up fear and panic.

The BBB urges consumers to

• Check out any unknown business or not-for-profit organization that seeks your money or donation with the BBB on our website
• Carefully verify any claims that sound "too good to be true."
• Do not panic or overreact to sales pitches that are long on emotion and short on details.
• Never reveal personal or financial information to an unknown caller or in response to an unsolicited email.
• Do not succumb to sales pressure. Take your time to evaluate the offer, determine whether you need the product or service, and if so, comparison-shop.
• Do not abandon your common sense!

The Pitch: Give Money to Help!

The BBB reports that less than a week after the start of the war, telemarketers called citizens allegedly to collect money for troops and their loved ones. The persons doing the soliciting were not affiliated with a known charity, and refused to provide additional information about their organization.

Established charities as well as new groups are raising funds for war-related causes. The BBB Wise Giving Alliance states that legitimate charities will welcome the opportunity to acquaint you with their programs, finances and any other information you request.

• If you receive a call from a telemarketer or an email from an unknown sender or organization requesting a donation tied to the war, don't assume it's a legitimate charity or military group.
• Request additional written information about the charity's programs, and contact information for the organization.
• Never give out your credit card, bank account or Social Security number to an unknown telemarketer or in response to an unsolicited email.
• Check out charities with the BBB. Go online to www.nypas.org for tips on charity appeals and reports on national charities.
• Once you've determined that the charity is legitimate and one that you want to support, make donations by check made out to the charity, not in cash.

The Pitch: Buying our Product Benefits the Troops!

The web site boldly proclaims that "within 31 days, our goal is to ship every soldier a commemorative novelty dollar to show them we appreciate them and care for them. We will ship them to each company in every battalion, every carrier and ship, as long as the funds keep coming…. Would you be willing to make two small commitments to show these guys you care?" Interested parties are asked to (1) purchase at least 1 bill for a solider only $2 and to (2) pass along the email to five or more people as "this is very important for success in this effort."

Other callers to the BBB are asking about "Adopt-a-soldier" programs and organized efforts to send greeting cards and personal hygiene kits to America's militia, and advertisements for overpriced flags and Statue of Liberty lapel pins that will supposedly benefit military survivors.

If you are considering participating in such programs or purchasing these products, the BBB offers these recommendations:

• Know up-front how your personal information (name, address, and other details) will be protected. If your personal information is going to be made public as part of a list of "contributors" or "participants", be sure you're comfortable with that.
• Do not release financial information, like a credit card or bank account number, in response to an unsolicited email or telephone call.
• If you choose to purchase a product online, know the web site's security measures and privacy protection policy.
• · If you are considering buying a patriotic-themed product that is being sold with assurances that the purchase will benefit a charity, gather more details. Find out the portion or percent of the proceeds going to the charity; the term of the campaign; and an address, phone number, or Internet address for the benefiting organization or charity in order to contact them and ask if they are aware of the promotion.

The Pitch: Take Action before it's Too Late!

The BBB heard from families who were contacted by telemarketers claiming to be from the government. The fraudulent telemarketers said it was a requirement to purchase a survival kit, and that the amount of the purchase would have to be deducted from the consumer's checking account.

Before responding to offers for products or services that promise to secure your safety, The BBB offers this advice:

• First 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's a lot you can do on your own, without incurring substantial expense.
• If you're considering stocking medical-related products or supplies, consult the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (www.fda.gov) about drug/health remedies and the Center for Disease Control (www.cdc.gov) for information on terrorism and public health.
• Consider whether you really need the product, and if so, comparison shop.
• Do not be swayed by claims of government affiliation, government approval, or other government references. It's a common tactic used by scam artists to imply legitimacy.
• Be particularly leery if the advertisement adopts a "conspiracy" slant. It is trying to prey on your fears.

This report is general in nature and not intended as a reliability report on any company, service or product.