Community Chat

[sylviahomeatlast]

We hang up fasst if it's an 800 number or any zone I don't know.

[muttmom]

Other than blocking the number, I know of no other way to get around these calls.

We get calls from heavily accented callers saying our loan application has been accepted. They are usually from out of area cell phones.

[ROMARY]

Make sure you ask the name of the fundraising charity. Write it down. Then look on the Web to see if it's legitimate. I've found that sometimes the name of the charity is tweeked in the slightest way, and it isn't the charity that I thought it was. Anyway, it's always best to go directly to the charity if you wish to donate. There are lots of local national charities, and local various charities that you can donate in person.

[lovescats]

I don't answer any calls I don't recognize on the caller id. I think if you answer you'll just get more calls because if they get a live person once they'll just keep trying. If it's someone who really needs to get in touch they'll leave a message.

[sylviahomeatlast]

Or tell them not to call this number again. Works if it's pick-up charities.

[gardenman]

I repeat the following to every charity caller. "I'm sorry, but there's so much fraud these days I won't give money to anyone who calls me on the phone. If you're a legitimate charity then mail me your information and I'll review it and make a decision on whether to donate. Thank you." Before they can then respond I just hang up. It's quick, courteous (more or less) and doesn't waste either of our time. Not surprisingly, very, very few ever mail me anything.

[circles]

at one time I use to donate to everyone that called...dumb, I know.....that began endless calls and mail from those same charities over and over ....they barely received the one donation when they would send a request for another...I finally had to stop....I couldn't afford it...

after that I would answer and tell them I couldn't donate and they would insist....asked if I could the next week...month...etc...they became nasty and obnoxious...

now I just don't answer...I have always had caller I.D. and an answering machine....I don't get as many calls as I use to...finally...and the ones that come in the mail get put in the recycle bin...

what I do hate is the mail ones have the nerve to print on the front of the envelope that "I am past due" as though I was a dead beat ...can't imagine what the postman thinks...

[chessylady]

One thing that happens is you say hello and no one answers, I hang up before they get on the line. most of the time I let my calls go to the answering machine.

[AuntG]

I might give to the police charity that called me last night. They didn't ask for money over the phone and said they would send me a packet about their organization and I could do more research and decide if I wanted to contribute.

[Suziepeach]

When the FOP in Alabama calls me, I interrupt rudely and tell them, you've called the Sheriff's office, again- they hang up.... The FOP doesn't call asking for money.. My MIL gave to a police organization with their phone call and packet,... she thinks that sticker on her door protects her- we said, All they wanted was your money, do NOT give to them again.. and she said OK..