Scammers have found a niche in impersonating others over the telephone, using automated dialing systems and robocalls to rip off honest consumers. While the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) prohibits these types of calls, violations of the TCPA abound. The following includes some of the most common telephone imposter scams currently targeting consumers in 2017.

Top Telephone Imposter Scams For 2017

Previous years have seen imposter calls claiming to sell holiday vacations, raising funds for political candidates, and offering ways of reducing interest rates on mortgages and loans. By the time these calls are publicly revealed as frauds, the imposters have moved on to another ploy. For 2017, the Federal Trade Commision (FTC) warns consumers to be aware of the latest scams:

1. Nanny and Caregiver Job Sites: These sites allow you to post information about yourself in the hopes of obtaining employment. Scammers contact you under the guise of offering a job, then use the information you provide to steal your identity or hack into your accounts.
2. Family Emergency Scams: Scammers claim to be calling on behalf of family members, requesting bail money or transportation costs to get home due to an injury. They often target senior citizens, claiming to be grandchildren.
3. IRS Imposter Scams: These scams have been around for several years, but continue to find new victims. A recorded call states you owe money for back taxes, and warns you could face stiff penalties or the threat of arrest if you fail to pay. The American Association of Retired People (AARP) states that IRS phone scams have ripped off more than $47 million dollars from consumers over the last three years.
4. Tech Support Scams: This is a variation of the anti-virus scam, in which an actual person or a robocall claims to be tech support for your laptop or other device, offering to upgrade or extend your warranty or support service.
5. Online Dating Scams: Scam artists get your information from dating sites and call you, pretending to be interested in a burgeoning romance, when what they are really after is access to your accounts and personal information.

Our Chicago TCPA Attorneys Are Here To Help

If you have fallen victim to a telephone impersonator or are being harassed by robocalls, contact Keogh Law LTD. Our experienced Chicago TCPA attorneys work to defend the rights of victims in these situations, and may be able to assist you in seeking compensation. Call or contact our office online and request a consultation today.