Idaho Consumers Warned Of Fraudulent Phone Solicitors

Attorney General Al Lance telephoned Idaho consumers recently and warned them to be aware of fraudulent telephone solicitors.

Lance joined in Operation Unload, a takeoff on boiler room operations commonly used by fraudulent telemarketers. Operation Unload is a joint effort sponsored by the National Association of Attorneys General, the American Association of Retired Persons, the FBI, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and other organizations.

Lance and 29 other state attorneys general called consumers in their home states to warn them that their telephone numbers appear on what are called mooch lists. Mooch lists contain the names and telephone numbers of previous victims of telemarketing fraud.

The FBI said a good mooch list contains the names of people considered to be ideal repeat or “reload” victims. The lists have been sold for up to $200 per name on the black market.

The attorneys general and the American Association of Retired Persons hope to contact 5,000 people whose names appear on mooch lists. Calls are being made during the National Association of Attorneys General Winter Meeting.