Friday, February 28, 2003

PSC warns consumers of telemarketing scam

By ALISA KING
Special to TheCitizen

The Georgia Public Service Commission is warning Georgia consumers to be aware of fraudulent telemarketing schemes involving registration for the Georgia No Call List. Some consumers have reported receiving telemarketing calls soliciting registration fees as much as $300 for the Georgia No Call List. The solicitors have also asked for personal information such as social security numbers. The Governor's Office of Consumer Affairs is investigating these reports.

Consumers who receive telephone calls soliciting registration for the Georgia No Call List should report the company to the Governor's Office of Consumer Affairs at: complaints@oca.state.ga.us or at 2 M.L. King, Jr. Drive, Atlanta, GA 30334.

Consumers should know that the Georgia No Call program does not solicit registrations over the telephone and the cost for a two-year subscription is only $5. Consumers are not required to disclose social security numbers in order to register.

Consumers can register for the program through the Internet at www.ganocall.com, by using the toll-free telephone number 1-877-GANOCALL (877-426-6225), or by sending an application through the mail.

Since becoming operational in 1999, the Georgia No Call List has dramatically limited the number of telemarketing calls that can be placed to the homes of individuals who have registered their objections to receiving these types of calls.