Telemarketers making fraudulent calls on behalf of NH Association of Chiefs of Police

Police Department's throughout New Hampshire are warning residents that telemarketers are making fraudulent calls seeking donations for the New Hampshire Association of Chiefs of Police.

According to the association president, Chief Paul Donovan of Salem, uses fundraising as an important vehicle in helping to raise money for the continued benefit of promoting law enforcement education and training, but they don't use telemarketing to do so.

"We do all our own fundraising so that 100 percent of the money raised goes towards the programs we support and our Association," Donovan said. "This is done through direct mail.”

Telemarketers are people who sell things over the telephone and though many sell legitimate products from lawful companies, disreputable telemarketers using false and deceptive sales practices cost consumers billions of dollars a year, the press release said.

Fraudulent telemarketers can typically be identified by having a phone number from out of the area and by their high-pressure sales tactics.

"Legitimate businesses will usually recognize the fact that you’re not interested," the press release said.

Arm yourself with knowledge about the Federal Trade Commission’s “Telemarketing Sales Rules," which give consumers important protections.

Before the sales pitch even begins, the telemarketer must tell you that the call is a "sales" or a "fundraising" call.

The telemarketer must tell you his or her name and the name of the company. 

You can get your name removed from many telemarketing lists through a free service offered by the Federal Trade Commission. Simply register at the Commission’s Web site, www.donotcall.gov or call 1-888-382-1222 from the number you wish to add to the Do Not Call Registry. 

All telemarketers, even those not covered by the National Do Not Call Registry, must take you off their list if you specifically request that they do so. Tell the telemarketer to “remove me from your telemarketing list” and ask how long it will take to have your number removed.

If you get another call from a telemarketer, they have broken the law. Contact the police department in your area, or you can send an email to the New Hampshire Association of Chiefs of Police by going to their website at www.nhchiefsofpolice.com.