UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- Losing your life's savings could be only a phone call away. To avoid becoming a telephone scam victim, it's important to learn the familiar statements and tactics used by con artists, says a consumer scientist in Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences.

"When legitimate companies use the telephone to sell products and services, the practice is called telemarketing," says Cathy Bowen, assistant professor of agricultural and extension education. "Unfortunately, many unscrupulous companies use the telephone to trick consumers. Illegal telemarketers, also known as con artists, know what to say to make you part with your money."

Not listening or responding to offers that "sound too good to be true" is the first defense to avoid becoming a scam victim, Bowen says. "Tell callers to put you on their 'do-not-call' list," she says. "If they call again, report them to the Pennsylvania Attorney General's Office at (800) 441-2555."

Bowen also suggests not responding to offers that you get in the mail for free products or services. "This is a method often used to identify potential victims."

If telemarketers use any of the following statements or tactics, Bowen says that they are probably illegal. If a caller uses one of them, hang up the phone.

Statements

• "You have to act 'now' or the offer won't be good."
• "You cannot afford to miss this 'high-profit, no-risk' offer."
• "You have won a 'free' gift, a vacation or a prize -- and you pay only for postage and handling or other charges."

Tactics

• You must give a credit card or bank account number, send money or have a check picked up by a courier very soon.
• You are discouraged from checking out the company with anyone -- including your family, lawyer, accountant, local Better Business Bureau or consumer protection agency.
• You are not given any written information about the company or any references.
• You are made to feel that you are getting special treatment.

Older Consumers--Beware

"Consumers over the age of 60 often are approached by con artists," Bowen says. "Older women living alone are considered easy targets."

Bowen offers the following tips to older consumers:

• Don't buy anything by phone from unfamiliar companies.
• Always take your time making a decision.
• Never send money or give your credit card or bank account number to unfamiliar companies.

Where To Go For Help

Before becoming involved with a company, Bowen recommends checking its status by contacting the Better Business Bureau in the state where the business is located.

If you can't get satisfactory action from a sweepstakes or prize promoter after participating, contact your local postmaster or one of the following organizations:

Direct Marketing Association Inc. Sweepstakes Help Line 1111 19th Street, NW, Suite 1100 Washington, D.C. 20036-3603 e-mail: Kim Dionis KDionis@psu.edu 814-863-2703 814-865-1068 fax