Investment telemarketers have been cold calling consumers, offering them carbon credits.
Consumer member John Stuart (not his real name) recently got a call from a company offering him the chance to buy carbon credits. With the carbon market heating up, the company promised John his investment would reap fantastic returns. John was suspicious and gave us a call to see what we thought.
John was right to be suspicious. This appears to be a classic investment telemarketing scam with a “green” spin. Investment telemarketers have a slick sales pitch. They promise you high returns, often based around overseas companies. The company that called John claimed to be based in Japan.
If you’re cold-called with an offer than sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Just say no and hang up. If you’re tempted, check out the company thoroughly – don't rely on the advice of the person trying to sell you the investment. Never make a decision to invest on the spot. Chances are it’s a scam if a company offers you carbon credits over the phone.
More from consumer.org.nz
- Scams - major scam types, warning signs, and how to protect yourself
- Carbon offsets - our investigation of carbon offset schemes
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