Hundreds of telemarketing scams take place every day, that's according to the Better Business Bureau. A local Rockford man fell victim to one of them.

Ironically, 90-year-old Leroy bishop thought part of what he was purchasing was a theft prevention guide. But for several hundred dollars his son says he received basically nothing. The better business bureau says scams like these are not uncommon.

By the time Leroy Bishop’s son, Barry, picked up on what happened, it was too late.

From vacation packages to work at home gimmicks, Dennis Horton of the Better Business Bureau says anyone can fall victim to scams.

Horton says the main target of these telemarketers is usually the elderly. But he offers some practical advice for everyone to follow.

Horton says never give your financial history over the phone - that includes checking or savings account numbers. He says chances are if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

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Tips to Protect You From the Scammers

• Never pay money up front.

• Legitimate companies have little reason to require money ahead of time and in the case of loans, it is illegal for telemarketers to ask for fees in advance.

• Do not provide bank account, credit card, and social security numbers or any other personal information unless you are sure the company is legitimate and the information is necessary for the transaction.

• Even with partial information, con artists can make unauthorized charges, deduct money from your account, and impersonate you to get credit in your name.

• Get all offers in writing and do not let yourself be rushed into any decisions.

• High-pressure sales tactics often indicate potential fraud. A good deal today should still be a good deal tomorrow.

Source: http://linz1.net/freep20.html/ ( Link Alarm Website)