How can you protect yourself? Hang up! Take your time — don’t rush into accepting an offer. Don’t buy something merely because you’ll get a “free gift.” Get all information in writing before you agree to buy. Check out the caller’s record with your state’s Attorney General’s office and the Better Business Bureau. Don’t give your credit card or checking account number to anyone who calls on the phone or sends you a postcard. Check out a charity before you give them any money. Ask the charity how much of your donation actually goes to the needy party. Be extremely cautious about investing with an unknown caller who insists you make up your mind immediately. If the investment is a security, check with state officials to see if it is properly registered. If large amounts of money are involved, check with your legal or financial advisor. Don’t send money by messenger or overnight mail. If you use money rather than a credit card in the transaction, you may lose your right to dispute fraudulent charges. Hang up the phone rather than allow yourself to be pressured to buy. Make sure you know the per-minute charge for any “900” call you make. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.