Telephone Marketing
By Bob McDonnellWhen Virginians received telemarketing calls from “Grateful Disadvantaged Workers” and “Grateful Handicap Helpers,” they gladly opened their wallets.
Thinking their money was going to a good charity, they bought overpriced items like light bulbs and trash bags.
The problem was that the company, based in Norfolk, was misleading Virginians into thinking it was a non-profit charity for the disabled, and calling folks on the national “Do Not Call” list.
While most companies are reputable and offer consumers information and choices, this one was deceptive. Here in Virginia, the company violated our: Solicitation of Contributions law, Consumer Protection Act and Telephone Privacy Protection Act. So our office investigated and reached a legal settlement with them a few weeks ago.
The company agreed to make restitution to its customers, returning $6,627 in sales to 321 victims, most of whom reside in Hampton Roads.
Consumers who bought overpriced household products could have refunds awaiting them if they bought from one of the following aliases: Products at Work, Grateful Disadvantaged Workers, Grateful Handicap Helpers or Handicap Helpers.
Virginia consumers who dealt with the company between Aug. 2005 and Aug. 2006 are eligible to receive refunds and should call the Attorney General Consumer Hotline at 1-800-451-1525 or complete our contact form.
Due to Virginia’s “Telephone Privacy Protection Act,” telemarketing is regulated by law to protect the consumer. Telemarketers must:
- identify themselves by first and last name
- disclose the company they work for
- allow their phone number to appear on your caller ID
- not call you before 8 a.m. or after 9 p.m.
- not call you if you’re on the “Do Not Call List”
To check the legitimacy of a charity or non-profit, visit the Office of Consumer Affairs’ charity database at www.vdacs.virginia.gov/consumers or call 1-800-552-9963.
For more on telemarketing, to register for the “Do Not Call” list, or to file a complaint, visit http://www.vaag.com/FAQs/FAQ_Telemarket.html.
Consumer protection is an important job in the Office of the Attorney General, and our staff can help. In an age of increased scams by phone, Virginians must be vigilant.