Everyone posting about this issue is getting a call from a PAID telemarketer.  Who is paying the people who are making the calls?  American Institute of Cancer Research, a legitimate charitable organization according to charitynavigator.org (a great tool to use to check out all charitable organizations).  They have a very poor rating with Charity Navigator. Why?  Simply because of their use of paid telemarketing to solicit funds.  Paid telemarketing companies typically call a phone number several times a day or week to determine if anyone is home.  This is done using a computer that logs when a call is answered to note when homeowner is home.  That's the reason you don't get a voice at the other end when you pick up or you get a recording.  Telemarketing is a effective tool that companies, including charitable organizations use to raise money.  When used in such a manner as this it borders on not only unethical but criminal means to raise money, even if the organization is a legitimate charity.  AICR is located in Washington, DC.  Call your local congressman or senator and complain.  More people doing this may, hopefully, change their methods and get them a higher rating on Charity Navigator!