CONTACT

Carol Odell, Executive Director/CEO Better Business Bureau of the Pikes Peak Region
719/636-5076 ext. 111

SENIORS TARGET OF CREDIT CARD PROTECTION COMPANIES

Four telephone calls in one morning! The Better Business Bureau has been bombarded with telephone calls from seniors who are the target of telemarketers soliciting for credit card protection. In this case, the caller claims to be with “Visa” and states that there has been a mistake with their credit card records. The senior is asked to confirm his or her name and address and provide their checking account number. After “confirming” this information, the senior is contacted again and told that “Visa” needs to debit $289.00 out of their checking account to "secure” their credit card. If the senior hesitates, the caller becomes very angry and argumentative and employs high-pressure tactics. If the senior declines permission, the caller hangs-up.

The BBB contacted the company using a number provided by consumers. The phone is answered “Premiere Discount Club.” A company representative provided information that the company is located in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma and has been in business two months. Reportedly, for the $289.00 fee the company offers lifetime credit card protection, an anti-telemarketing device, and identity theft survival information. The Oklahoma BBB does not have any file information on the company.

The Better Business Bureau offers the following information regarding credit card protection:

• Do not supply any credit card, checking account or social security numbers to any unsolicited party. Do not volunteer even the smallest amount of information, like the expiration dates of credit cards or routing codes from personal checks. If you do, contact your credit card company or bank immediately. You may need to cancel your credit card or close your checking account.
• Do not feel pressured, frightened or intimidated by telemarketers, if you do – HANG UP THE PHONE!
• Most credit card companies offer insurance protection to their cardholders as part of their service.
• Contact your credit card company immediately if your card is lost or stolen. If notification is received before any unauthorized charges are incurred, the consumer is not liable. In any event, maximum liability under federal law is $50 per card.
• To eliminate telemarketing calls, register at no cost with the Colorado No Call at 888/249-9097 or www.coloradonocall.com.
• Check out the company with the Better Business Bureau at 636-1155 or search the website at www.coloradosprings.bbb.org for local businesses, or the national website at www.bbb.org.

Colorado No Call

888/249-9097

Better Business Bureau