BBB Tip of the Week

WHAT: Stop calling me! People tell the BBB that telemarketers, bogus debt collectors and other pests won’t quit calling them. Some phone up to 30 times a day.

WHAT TO DO: The Federal Trade Commission regulates debt collectors and telemarketers. Report harassing or scam calls to (877) 382-4357. Also, you can:

• Contact your telephone company, which may block the number, for a fee.

• Consider getting an unlisted number, making it harder for random callers to find you.

• Call the offices the caller claims to represent, using a number you look up, not one the caller gives you.

REMEMBER: Tell debt collectors to send you proof of a debt in writing. If you don’t receive papers, it’s probably a scam. Never respond to unsolicited phone calls demanding money or your personal information.

DON’T KNOW WHO CALLED? These websites can help you find out:

• 800 Notes: http://800notes.com

• Caller Complaints: callercomplaints.com

• Who Called: http://whocalled.us

• Number Investigator: numberinvestigator.com

• U.S. Area Code Help: www.areacodehelp.com

• International: countrycallingcodes.com

MORE INFO OR REPORT SCAMS: Visit the BBB at www.bbb.org, or call (509) 455-4200 or (800) 356-1007.

Holly Doering, Better Business Bureau