Telephone solicitation is at an all time high. The following represent tip-offs that the solicitor may be fraudulent.

• High pressure sales tactics. Look for a determined reluctance to take "no" for an answer.
• Insistence on an immediate decision.
• It sounds too good to be true.
• Your credit card number or bank number is requested for a purpose other than to make a purchase. Scam artist claim they need the number for identification purposes.
• A quick method to get your money. The solicitor may offer to send a delivery service to pick up your check.
• Something is "free" but you have to buy something else. Rest assured the cost of the "free" item is included in the cost of the item you must buy.
• It's risk free. Can or will the solicitor honor this pledge?
• No written information is provided before you buy.
• A suggestion to buy based on "trust". You do not extend trust to unknown persons asking for money over the phone.

This information is not meant as a condemnation of telephone sales. Purchasing goods and services over the phone can be practical and convenient practice. However, remember that telephone scams abound and you must remain on guard.