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National Do Not Call Registry, Federal Communications Commission, Consumer Finance Protection Bureau, Department of Justice, FTC Complaint Assistant, Internet Crime Complaint Center, Financial Fraud Enforcement Task Force, Canadian Anti-Fraud Center

When we started 800Notes.com we had no idea that telemarketing fraud comes in so many flavors. The variations include 'cramming', 'slamming', credit card scams, calls from telemarketers pretending to be IRS, sweepstakes and lotteries scams, advance fee loan scams, phone toner scams, fat finger dialing scams, and area code phone scams.

You might find out that you’ve been a victim of identity theft through a call from a collection agency claiming you have a debt or if you were denied a credit due to a poor credit score.

Debt collectors are highly motivated to convince debtors to pay the debt because they work on a commission. This business model has created the reputation for bill collection agencies that we know today. The collector might engage in threatening behavior and harassment. However, like any other business they are governed by laws that prohibit certain abusive practices.

Obscene or harassing phone calls can be one of the most stressful and frightening invasions of privacy a person experiences. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to help put an end to these unwelcome intrusions.

The Federal Trade Commission assures that cell phone numbers will not be released to telemarketers at any time in the near future despite the claims made in e-mails circulating on the Internet.

The following are instances where you should consider filing a complaint with FTC against a telemarketer.

Here is a list of questions to ask each telemarketer when they call you. Print these questions, and put them next to the phone. Telemarketers are required by law to answer each of these questions. Write the answers down and as well as the date, time of the call, and anything else that will help you remember the call.

The Federal government created the national registry in 2003 to make it easier and more efficient for you to stop getting telemarketing calls you don’t want. You can sign up for the Do Not Call Registry two ways: The FTC's toll-free phone number is (888) 382-1222 (TTY: (866) 290-4236).

Here are some tips that will help you guide your privacy. Individual consumers aren't the only victims of fraud. No matter whether the con artist uses the mail, the telephone, or the Internet, the best defense against scams is to follow these basic rules.