PITTSBURGH -- At a time when credit card debt for the average household continues climbing, the prospect of lowering interest rates sounds even better.
Last month, the Federal Trade Commission shut down some companies using "RoboCalls" -- automated telemarketing phone calls -- to sell extended warranties for vehicles.
But with a similar practice involving credit cards being made, consumers are more in need of a "RoboCop" to put an end to the calls.
"What they're trying to do is take advantage of a situation where people are hungry to save money," said Warren King of the Better Business Bureau.
The bureau is warning consumers about a trio of companies peddling such services, especially for the way they're doing it.
According to the bureau, the companies sometimes violate the law by making automated calls to consumers with numbers on the "Do Not Call" registry.
Some even got an unwelcomed wakeup call at 3 a.m.
"They're wasting space on my answering machine -- quit calling me. I'm on the 'Do Not Call' list," said JoAnn McIntosh.
According to the bureau, companies sometimes charge up to $1,000.
"Remember that you can do this on your own. You can negotiate your rates with your own credit card companies," said King.
The bureau identified the three companies in question as CSTR Solutions, Genesis Capital Management and Mutual Consolidated Savings.
The companies are accused of not identifying themselves during calls and asking for personal information and credit card numbers.
"This is scary. Somebody better do something," said McIntosh.
Genesis Capital Management told Channel 4 Action News that it does not make "RoboCalls."
Copyright 2009 by ThePittsburghChannel. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
