Bogus FOP calls

[ladibug]

Has anyone else been receiving calls asking for donations for their local FOP? I have been reciving several calls a week. Since I have laready donated to my local FOP each time I tell the caller to remove me from the list that I have already donated personally to my local chapter... the caller is very rude and persistant. The caller today actually said that they knew I had made a previous donation but due to a computer error I needed to make the donation again, not likely. I told him I was fully aware that my first donation was received just fine by the people it was truly intended for, that this was the 4th call I had recieved this week and to remove my number from any and all lists. He then said that due to computer issues my number could not be removed. I searched the internet and found that several people are being called by this same number and a few others asking for donations... the number that called me was 877-874-9769. I tried but you can not call the number back, it just rings busy or you get an answering machine that tells you to leave your name and number and they will call you back with more information. Has anyone else had this issue? I am going to notify my local area, just wanted to see how wide spread the problem is.

It is people like this that give police and fire a bad name. That is why I would like to educate the public on this matter.

[Citicop]

Happens here, too. They are outside telemerketing firms who pay about 20% of the donation to the organization, and keep the rest for themselves. I NEVER give money under those circumstances.

Citicop.

[princecaspian]

Where I live there was a huge scare. only about a couple moths ago, I had lived in Fairfax, VA. As you may have known, their was a shoot out at a Police Station there. Only one day after that, I got a call asking for money for the victims families. I declined and called the police to ask if it ws legit., I got the answer I seemed to be knowing a no. The next day this guy calls back, and well, I won't tell you what I called him.

[ladibug]

I did not say before but I am in Virginia as well... I recieved calls asking for donations for the survivors of the families of the recent law enforecement deaths after we had the tragic months in VA not to long ago where we lost several officers across the state..... I had a few words for those callers as well, but these are differnt. These people actually try to get you to regive them your credit card information saying there was a computer glitch when you recently donated to the FOP. It is sad how people try and abuse good things.

[princecaspian]

:( Yeah, VA is a nice place, but I had to move to the Virgin Islands.....

[Shegens357Mag]

I've been giving to the Tennessee FOP for years. I believe that the first time they contacted me they actually came to my house. The chapter I donate to is for Tennessee State Troopers, I think.

[ngcsubutterbar]

:( Yeah, VA is a nice place, but I had to move to the Virgin Islands.....

exactly 'how many' warrants do you have on you then?

[Norm357]

exactly 'how many' warrants do you have on you then?

Wouldnt matter, the U.S. Virgin Islands are U.S. terrirtory.:D

[Jay7376]

Wouldnt matter, the U.S. Virgin Islands are U.S. terrirtory.:D

True, but if the warrants are for minor crimes there would be no extradition.;)

[RT302]

I was called by an organization in WA and declined to donate to them over the phone. I was told "I guess you don't care about law enforcement". Next sound he heard was "click".:p

[Fatalo86]

It happens here all the time in South Florida. I have donated to the Florida Highway Patrol, but other than that it is a scam. The sad thing is that thousands of people are so oblivious to the fact. Some of these telemarketers make it seem so legit. I just dont answer any private calls or 800 numbers.

[kels]

If you give money to anyone over the phone
you are a SUCKER.
If you want to donate money, contact your local cause.
YOU do the contacting and that way the money gets where you
think it should go.
Last stat I saw, said 80% of phone calls wanting money were FAKE.

[Shegens357Mag]

The Tennessee FOP that I donate to never asks me for money over the phone. They ask if I'm willing to pledge this year and I tell them yes and how much. After talking to the first person I get to verify it with a supervisor. They send the paperwork by mail and I mail a check. Same thing with the local fire department. They come to the house each year. I never answer calls if there is no ID. I hate telemarketers. :mad:

[BP348]

Next sound he heard was "click".:p

I like to ask them to hold on for a minuet and put the phone down. Few minutes later I go back and tell them how sorry I am for keeping them waiting and then yell "oh no, hang on again" It's fun to see how long I can keep them waiting. That is when I answer, I don't normally answer unlisted number calls and never answer unknown name, unknown number calls. But, that's just me. ;)

[RO56]

:( Yeah, VA is a nice place, but I had to move to the Virgin Islands.....

Where abouts? The wife and I got married down there.