I think I just got cursed out by a fundraiser.

[krcit]

I got one of those calls collecting for the 'local' police. Funny, they hung up when I mentioned that DH IS a local cop.

 

[RitaZ.]

Now you know why I keep a compressed air horn next to the phone.

That's an excellent idea!

 

[The Mystery Machine]

I got one of those calls collecting for the 'local' police. Funny, they hung up when I mentioned that DH IS a local cop.

Once I got that call back in the day. The guy even gave me a phone number because I said I needed to check up on this.

I called my local police and asked. They said that it was a scam.

 

[Libby X 3]

That is so rude!

 

[Aye Sea Turtles]

I know someone who worked as a solicitor for this organization years ago (albeit briefly). It is indeed a scam, and in addition, the telemarketers are coached to be rude and condescending to those who hesitate to donate. Unfortunately, the strong-arm tactics do work with some people.

 

[SC Minnie]

Years ago I got one of these calls during 'red ribbon week'. Supposedly the money would be used to fund extra police patrols to stop drunk driving. I told the guy that 'No', he started in on the even the elderly on fixed incomes make a modest donation, I again said 'No', he then said something about I better hope I don't get hit by a drunk driver. I told him I hoped this call was being recorded because that I was totally uncalled for. He hung up on me.

Now when they say 'on behalf of' I cut them off and say I don't donate to organizations that use paid solicitors. Then I hang up.

 

[j's m]

Now you know why I keep a compressed air horn next to the phone.

I wouldn't really recommend this. I was having constant telemarketers call about online college that I had supposedly signed up for. After ten calls a day for a week, I finally blew up and screamed really loud.

Two weeks later, someone had signed me up for magazines, smoking coupons, and had also switched my long distance phone service (even though the phone is in my DH's name) They used a phony e-mail address to verify the account and it was a long process to get Verizon to credit us.

Now, I just hang up.

 

[snapppyd]

I've heard that REAL police departments never solicit over the phone, only by mail.

Once a local newspaper called me wanting me to subscribe to help some children's fund. When I said no, she got argumentative and said "YOU MEAN YOU DON'T WANT TO HELP THE CHILDREN???" I hung up. I have a grand niece with medical issues and I support HER organization, thank you very much.

 

[mjkacmom]

Are you sure it was your township that was fundraising? I have a friend whos DH is a cop, and he said that those "Fire and Police fundraising" companies are a farce. They keep 90% of the money for their "non-profit" and donate 10% to police and fire organizations - not necessarily even locally.

I also have been cussed out by one. I told them that my DH was recently laid off, I was not working and in nursing school full time, so it wasn't feasible this year. The guy answered, "Geez, I hope that you get a prompt response if you need them, especially considering your non-support." Must be their standard arm-twist.

I responded, "I DO support my LOCAL police and fire departments. I pay my taxes, and vote yes to the millages they need. Much more than your organization does for our LOCAL departments." They guy then hung up on me.

Ditto - it's not your police department calling. DH once made the mistake of sending money to an organization like this for our fire department. We were harassed for years!

 

[daughtersrus]

I've heard that REAL police departments never solicit over the phone, only by mail.

Once a local newspaper called me wanting me to subscribe to help some children's fund. When I said no, she got argumentative and said "YOU MEAN YOU DON'T WANT TO HELP THE CHILDREN???" I hung up. I have a grand niece with medical issues and I support HER organization, thank you very much.

I had a similar thing happen to me last year.

A children's charity called me looking for a donation. I politely told the lady that I was not able to contribute at this time.

She made a comment to the effect of "What! You don't care about sick babies?"

That did it for me. I told her that I DO care about sick children especially my DD that is severely disabled because of a rare genetic disease and that all of my extra money is going to the only charity that is researching a cure/treatment for this disease.

She huffed and then hung up on me!

 

[onelilspark]

I just say "not today, thanks" and hang up the phone before they get a chance to come back at me.

I donate most of my money (that's earmarked for donating) to my Church and let them decide who to give it to. Then it's a few dollars here and there around the community. I'm certainly not going to give any money to some random person over the phone when I don't even know if it's who they claim to be.