| By Bob Weaver
Calhoun residents have been receiving telephone rip-offs.
Telemarketing fraud is a multi-billion dollar business in the United States, and Calhoun with an ever-growing number of seniors, is a good target.
Sometimes, the result is the loss of a few dollars, a checking account, but sometimes - life savings.
The Herald has reported on door-to-door scams, where a product or service is sold for an exorbitant amount of money with little or no product or service delivered.
A recent example, a meat company which packages meat products in super-thin packages inside large boxes.
Recent scam calls have told local citizens they have won $5,000 from a private or government program, and the scammer needs a bank account number to make the deposit.
Preying on the lonely, calling over several days to build a relationship, is not uncommon.
The scam artist promises free gifts, prizes, or vacations â or the "investment of a lifetime."
Some scams request money for charitable causes, "worthwhile" organizations and needy victims.
While there are legitimate requests for donations, many of the fund-raising calls originating from telemarketing firms contribute a very small percentage to the group.
Donors need to check it out first.
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