Serious Business and Consumer Fraud is going on at an increasing rate.  Consumers are being ripped off by  scammers out for as much profit as possible, before they're caught.  Many Companies are not doing as much as they can to protect themselves and the consumers they service.  ATI has developed data mining techniques that can help reduce some of these problems.

      SCAMS & FRAUDS

US warns Nigeria over online fraud schemes.

Online schemes operating out of Nigeria that have defrauded victims out of tens of millions of dollars have become so pervasive that the U.S. government has given the West African country until November to take steps to decrease such crimes or face sanctions.

Financial fraud is now reportedly one of the three larges industries in Nigeria.  One often used form of fraud involves scam artists sending unsolicited e-mail, fax or letter proposing either an illegal or legal business deal that requires the victim to pay an advance fee, transfer tax or performance bond or to allow credit to the sender of the message.

Victims who pay the fees are then informed that "complications" have arisen and they are asked to send more payments.  The global scam, which has been going on since the early 1980s had defrauded victims out of $5 billion as of 1996.  The online criminal activity has spread to other countries, including Ghana, Liberia, Togo and the Ivory Coast

Area Code Fraud - Placing International Calls without Realizing it..

The 809 area code can be used as a "pay-per-call" number, similar to 900 numbers in the US.  Since 809 is not in the US,  it is not covered by US regulations of 900 numbers, which require that you be notified and warned of charges and rates involved when you call a "pay-per-call " number.  There is also no requirement that the company provide a time period during which you may terminate the call without being charged.  Further, many US phones have 900 number blocking to avoid these kinds of charges.

We recommend that no matter how you get the message, if you are asked to call a number with an 809 area code that you don't recognize, investigate further and/or disregard the message.

It is important to prevent becoming a victim of this scam, since trying to fight the charges afterwards can become a real nightmare.  That's because you did actually make the call.  If you complain, both our local phone company and your long distance carrier will not want to get involved and will most likely tell you that they are simply providing the billing for the foreign company.  You'll end up dealing with a foreign company that argues they have done nothing wrong.

#9-0 Phone Scam - Pressing #9-0 on your telephone will allow scammers to make long-distance calls and charge them to your phone bill..

This trick can work on businesses, hospitals, government agencies, and other organizations that use telephone private branch exchanges (PBXs) to handle their calls (provided that pressing '9' is the signal to obtain an outside line).

AT&T warns that hospitals are increasingly targeted in slick scams that cost everyone money.  In another ploy, a "Dr. X" makes a collect call to the hospital, and asks to be transferred to "Dr. Y." (Crooks can easily get the names of actual doctors who practice at specific hospitals.)  He may ask to be transferred one or more times before asking to be transferred back to the receptionist, and he then asks for an outside line.  Once he gets it, he may make un-limited calls.  Again, the hospital is fully liable.

 How Can you Protect Yourself?.

• Don't be pressured to make an immediate decision.

• Don't give your credit card, checking account or Social Security number to unknown callers.

• Don't pay for something merely because you'll get a "free gift."

• Get all information in writing before you agree to buy

• Check out a charity before you give.  Ask how much of your donation actually goes to the charity.  Ask that written information be sent to you so you can make an informed decision.

• Don't invest your money with an unknown caller who insists you make up your mind immediately.

• Don't send cash by messenger or overnight mail.  If you use cash rather than a credit card in the transaction, you may lose your right to dispute fraudulent charges.

• Make sure you know the per minute charge for any 900 number call you make.

• Be cautious of statements that you've won a prize - particularly if the caller says you must send money to claim it.

• Check out unsolicited offers with the Better Business Bureau, local consumer protection agency, or state Attorney General's office before you agree to send money.

ATI has developed many cost reduction services that will help you save money.  In addition, the electronic systems and custom data mining procedures will enable you to establish contract compliance processes that will help contain costs.

ATI's cross industry experiences over 15 years has enabled ATI to save its client's over $100,000,000 and to become a leader in cost reduction services.  Our programs are based on contingent fees that enable our clients to save money without having to budget for the ATI services.  Our unconditional promise to you "no savings no fee due ATI."  Please call us for additional information that will enable you to substantially reduce your costs at no risk to you.

We hope you will look forward to the Communicator and would appreciate any feedback that you would like to provide. 

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ATI Cost Reduction & Cost Management Services

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