A lady I work with was telling me that she heard on the radio that companies are using imates to take phone orders such as catalog orders, etc. I guess this is another way of companies outsourcing their work. All I know is that I hope this isnt true. But if it is, people should be aware of it.
2006-08-24 02:53:20 · 10 answers · asked by forestpinebound 1 in News & Events ➔ Other - News & Events
Yes it's true.
It's called PBT (prison based telemarketing)
See the following link to the FTC web site.
This document is a about 4 years old and I'm not sure if PBT operations are still ongoing or not.
http://www.ftc.gov/os/comments/dncpapercomments/supplement/worsham.htm
2006-08-24 03:04:44 · answer #1 · answered by Securegeek 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That is very true. There are some catalog outlets that do use inmates. Sometime I wonder when I make an order just the fact I have to repeat everything a few times and spell very simple words like drive and they aren't foreigner.
You should be aware of anything when giving information.
But, we talk out of both sides of our mouths.
Young people worry about there privacy then they turn around and go on websits like My Space.com and give pictures and all kinds of personal information how dumb is that LOL
Also, that is really not outsourcing that is just cheap labor.
2006-08-24 10:29:01 · answer #2 · answered by wild4gypsy 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have also read about this happening. Yes it is scary. Not all criminals are dumb. Some could memorize addresses, telephone numbers, and credit card numbers. Then they could use those when they get out. It's not a smart way to outsource. One reason never to order anything over the telephone.
2006-08-24 09:59:56 · answer #3 · answered by lynda_is 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would assume it's true. I know that CSI is not real but some of the issues that they deal with are real (or they are based on real events) and they had an episode where they had inmates taking catalogue orders by phone. It was part of their work detail.
2006-08-24 09:57:30 · answer #4 · answered by Shopgirl9337 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I heard that the information calls that come in from Florida go to inmates. Only the ones on good behavior get that kind of job though. As far as people knowing about it, unless you are giving them personal information, what do you have to worry about?
2006-08-24 10:01:13 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Is "imates" a computer service of some sort?
I guess it could be short form for internet mates and then it might make sense.
TFTP
2006-08-24 10:01:14 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, i saw that on an investigative news program - really works out great w/ the identity theft issues we have in this country.
2006-08-24 10:32:30 · answer #7 · answered by workingclasshero 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
ca prisons have a inmate store thats all they can order from on a preset supplys and they can only get the stuff quarterly so outside stuff is not allowed
2006-08-24 10:02:31 · answer #8 · answered by lugwrench3@verizon.net 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I saw this on one of the news talk shows.
2006-08-24 10:02:16 · answer #9 · answered by livlafluv 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I also have heard this many yrs. ago...telemarketing, etc...
2006-08-24 10:50:33 · answer #10 · answered by no_doubt! 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋