How do you deal with 'telemarketing' scams when they mention 'fire dept' or 'police'? (credit card, landline)

[DewDropInn]

"Sorry, but with the economic downturn we aren't in the position to help anybody."

Last night some "U.S. Navy" charity called. I told them to send my brother (20 years - 3 tours in Vietnam, 1 in the Middle East) his share of whatever they collected.

[litlux]

Originally Posted by maciesmom

I just tell them I never respond to any solicitations over the phone then hang up.

Exactly. Simple is best. That's what I do as well.

[skinem]

If you actually WANT to donate to your local police or FD, just call them and ask if they use XYZ solicitation group--some actually do. If not, ask how they take donations.

If the local group doesn't use a particular group for solicitations and they call, tell them you're reporting them to the PD. That stopped my calls.

[eggalegga]

Why are you answering calls when no recognizable phone number is displaying on your caller ID? I don't answer my phone. If someone I know is trying to reach me, and I don't recognize the number they're calling from, they can talk to my answering machine and THEN I'll pick up the phone.

[motormaker]

^^ Many people do not have caller ID.

[eggalegga]

Originally Posted by GypsySoul22

I've been dodging these calls for 2 weeks now. Caller claims to be from **** Town Police Association. Looking for $$.

I usually tell them no, but they call back with in a few days. The phone registers private caller, no ##.

I never give $ over the phone to anyone, especially those who 'use the police or fire dept.' as a cover.

What do you tell them when they call? Apparently NO is not enough of a deterrent to these people.

We had so many calls for 'Park State Police" collecting $$$. Finally I told the guy I am unemployed, what can you do for me??

Originally Posted by motormaker

^^ Many people do not have caller ID.

But the OP does.

[GloryB]

I just tell them I don't speak English and need someone to call me back in German.
(In a mix of German/English using an accent)

[moonshadow]

Originally Posted by GloryB

I just tell them I don't speak English and need someone to call me back in German.
(In a mix of German/English using an accent)

Be careful with that as a plan GloryB.

I happened to answer the phone to a telemarketer whilst I was in Ma at MM's house. I suspect my Aussie accent confused him, that added to a supposedly complicated name and the poor sod had to explain that he'd get the computer to do the pronunciation . So I stood there while the buttons all got pushed and the computer pronounced MM's name for me in its little robot voice AND then the telemarketer gets back on the line and says, "Is that you m'am?" Between the computer and him it must have been a real confusing time what with strange accents, strange names AND then difficulty deciding gender. I was pretty pleased I'd been able to offer up such a mind meld until I realized I still got "punished" by having to listen to old robo voice anyway.

NEXT TIME I'm gonna really lay it on thick with the Aussieisms and see what that does.

[swagger]

We've given to the police a couple of times. They call, and when we commit to a donation, they send someone over to pick it up. We get to see the person - and their Metro (police) ID - before handing them a check.

[harry chickpea]

Originally Posted by swagger

We've given to the police a couple of times. They call, and when we commit to a donation, they send someone over to pick it up. We get to see the person - and their Metro (police) ID - before handing them a check.

Didn't Al Capone use a technique like that for protection?