Hang up--If the caller claims you have won a prize and asks for your checking account number or credit card number to "verify" or "confirm" your prize.

Hang up--If the caller offers you free gifts that require you to pay fees or charges before the gifts can be sent to you. If it is a free prize, you will not have to pay any money or buy anything to win.

Hang up--If the caller demands immediate action, or if the caller asks you to send money to put your name into the next level of the sweepstakes or contest, or if the caller is reluctant to provide specific, written information.

Many organizations use telemarketers for fundraising efforts or sales calls. But, if an unscrupulous telemarketer tries to get bank or credit card account numbers, Hang Up!

When a telemarketer calls, get as much information as you can about the company on the phone or in writing, and contact:

Federal Trade Commission

Bureau of Consumer Protection
Washington, DC 20580
202-326-2000

National Fraud Information Center

1-800-876-7060

Consumer Protection

(Your state or local Consumer Protection Agency)

To remove your name from mailing lists for unsolicited mail, contact:

Mail Preference Service

Direct Marketing Association
P. O. Box 9008
Farmingdale, NY 11735-9008

To remove your name from phone lists for unsolicited calls, contact:

Telephone Preference Service

Direct Marketing Association
P. O. Box 9014
Farmingdale, NY 11735-9014
212-768-7277