Unit 5: Contract Law

CHAPTER 17: CARRYING OUT THE CONTRACT

E-ACTIVITY: RECENT TELEMARKETING SCAMS AND HOW CONSUMERS CAN PROTECT THEMSELVES (p. 540)

Activity: Create a Bookmark about Telemarketing Scams and Consumer Protection

The growth of communications technology has meant advertisers have more ways to access consumers, and so, more possibilities for unethical advertisers to run scams. The increase in telemarketing scams is an international trend that targets victims young and old. What are typical telemarketing scams? How can consumers protect themselves against such deceptive practices?

Research telemarketing scams and create a bookmark about them for consumers.

1. Visit the Web site for PhoneBusters to find answers to the following questions:
   • What is PhoneBusters?
   • Who are common victims of telemarketing crimes? (Select “Statistics on Phone Fraud.”)
   • What are the typical types of telemarketing scams?
   • What are two current telemarketing scams?
   • How can consumers protect themselves against these scams?
   • How do you report phone fraud?
     
     
     
2. Design a bookmark that could be used as part of a public education campaign about telemarketing fraud. Imagine that your goal is to target adults—warning them about the dangers of scams and addressing the above questions.