Understanding how these telemarketers operate is the first step in protecting yourself. The following tactics have been documented in legal filings and victim reports.
Impersonating Government Agencies
What They Do
Callers use names that suggest VA affiliation or government backing, such as:
- "VA Mortgage Pipeline"
- "Veteran Financial Services"
- "VA Mortgage Review"
- "VA Home Loan Center"
The Truth
These are not government entities. The VA does not make unsolicited calls to sell mortgage products. Any caller implying VA endorsement or affiliation is likely attempting to deceive you.
How to Respond
Ask directly: "Are you calling from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs?" If they hesitate, deflect, or say no, hang up.
Caller-ID Spoofing
What They Do
Callers display fake local phone numbers to make their calls appear legitimate and bypass call blocking. In documented cases:
- 10 different numbers used, all with (240) 226-XXXX prefix
- All displayed as originating from "Oakland, MD"
- None flagged as spam by carrier
- All configured to reject return calls
The Truth
Legitimate businesses provide real callback numbers. If you cannot call a number back, it's a major red flag.
How to Respond
Before engaging with any caller, tell them you'll call them back. If they can't provide a working number or pressure you to stay on the line, hang up.
Hiding the True Purpose
What They Do
Callers frame the conversation as "educational" or "informational" rather than a sales call:
- "We're calling to help you understand your VA benefits"
- "This is about reviewing your home equity options"
- "We want to make sure you know about programs available to veterans"
The Truth
These are sales calls. The goal is to transfer you to a loan officer who will try to sell you refinancing products. By law, telemarketers must clearly state the purpose of their call upfront.
How to Respond
Ask immediately: "Is this a sales call?" and "What are you selling?" If they dodge the question, you have your answer.
Refusing to Identify Themselves
What They Do
Callers provide only first names and use vague or fake business names:
- Identify only as "Joseph" or "Mike" with no last name
- Cannot provide company website when asked
- Cannot provide NMLS licensing number
- Hang up when pressed for identifying information
The Truth
Maryland law requires telephone solicitors to clearly identify their trade name and the entity they represent. Refusal to do so is itself a violation.
How to Respond
Demand the company's full legal name, NMLS number, and website. If they can't or won't provide this, hang up and consider reporting the call.
Using Your Personal Information
What They Do
Callers demonstrate knowledge of highly specific personal details to build trust:
- Your full name and current address
- That you have a VA-backed loan
- Your approximate property value
- Your remaining loan balance
The Truth
This information comes from public records, data brokers, or purchased lead lists, not from the VA. Having your information does not mean they are legitimate or authorized.
How to Respond
Never confirm or provide additional information. Someone knowing details about you doesn't mean they should be trusted.
Relentless Harassment
What They Do
Even after explicit requests to stop, the calls continue:
- 89 calls in approximately 3 months to one victim
- 34+ explicit "do not call" requests ignored
- Multiple calls per day on the same subject
- Calls outside legal hours (after 8 PM)
The Truth
Maryland law limits telemarketers to 3 calls per day on the same subject and prohibits calls after 8 PM. Ignoring do-not-call requests is illegal.
How to Respond
Document every call. Say clearly: "I do not want to receive any further calls. Put me on your do-not-call list." Note the date, time, and any identifying information.
How to Protect Yourself
1. Register with the Do Not Call Registry
Add your number at donotcall.gov. While this won't stop all calls, it establishes your preference and strengthens any future legal claims.
2. Document Everything
Keep a log of every suspicious call including date, time, phone number displayed, caller name, and what was said. Screenshots of your call history are valuable evidence.
3. Record Calls When Legal
Maryland is a two-party consent state, meaning you must inform the caller you're recording. Many legitimate callers will stay on the line; scammers often hang up immediately.
4. Never Confirm Information
Don't confirm your name, address, or loan details even if the caller already seems to know them. Confirming information can be used against you.
5. Demand Identification
Ask for the company's legal name, physical address, NMLS number, and website. Legitimate mortgage companies will provide this readily.
6. Report Violations
File complaints with the FTC, CFPB, and your state attorney general. Reports help build cases against repeat offenders.
Experienced These Tactics?
If you've been contacted using any of these methods, your report can help protect other veterans and strengthen legal action against these companies.
Submit Your Report