While this may have been a robocall, I don't think it was -- and it doesn't matter. It was Texas State Troopers Association, and although technically a non-profit, the real world activities of this company pretty much mark it a SCAM, in my book. The Texas Attorney General doesn't have anything nice to say about them or their scheme, either.
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Found on https://texasattorneygeneral.gov/alerts/alerts_view_alpha.php?id=172&type=1 8/29/16 :
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"Consider, for example, the Texas State Troopers Association (TSTA), which hires professional telemarketers to call potential donors for contributions. While the paid solicitor might have a good sales pitch urging potential donors to support the state police, much of the money raised by TSTA doesn t actually go to officers or their families. According to a recent IRS filing by the TSTA, its telemarketing efforts yielded $3.59 million through telephone solicitations. Of that amount, more than 75% or $2.78 million was spent on professional fundraising fees. The IRS documents also indicate the organization spent just $10,800 on trooper death benefits; $22,000 on a trooper event; and $72,000 on contract lobbyists."
Solicitation call from Texas State Troopers Association (police support group wanting donations). This was a sophisticated robo-call that attempted to answer me with fairly clever recorded answers. When I said I was not in a position to donate to charities beyond those we currently support, the answer was "That's okay, you don't have to give right away. We can send you a thank you note with a pledge card. Now would $30 be a good amount?" I asked a few more questions and he finally ended with some very kind comments. I usually ask these guys where they are calling from, and how much of the donation goes directly to the cause. Sometimes I ask if they can send me money, since I have things in my life that require funding.
While this may have been a robocall, I don't think it was -- and it doesn't matter. It was Texas State Troopers Association, and although technically a non-profit, the real world activities of this company pretty much mark it a SCAM, in my book. The Texas Attorney General doesn't have anything nice to say about them or their scheme, either.
.
Found on https://texasattorneygeneral.gov/alerts/alerts_view_alpha.php?id=172&type=1 8/29/16 :
.
"Consider, for example, the Texas State Troopers Association (TSTA), which hires professional telemarketers to call potential donors for contributions. While the paid solicitor might have a good sales pitch urging potential donors to support the state police, much of the money raised by TSTA doesn t actually go to officers or their families. According to a recent IRS filing by the TSTA, its telemarketing efforts yielded $3.59 million through telephone solicitations. Of that amount, more than 75% or $2.78 million was spent on professional fundraising fees. The IRS documents also indicate the organization spent just $10,800 on trooper death benefits; $22,000 on a trooper event; and $72,000 on contract lobbyists."
So-called Troopers Association beggars. From the Texas DPS (Real troopers) Web site:
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Some of these organizations include in their names terms such as, “Texas Rangers,” “State Troopers,” “Texas Highway Patrol,” or “Department of Public Safety.” While some current or former employees may be members of some of these organizations on their own time, these groups are not affiliated with DPS, nor do they represent the department. . . . . . DPS advises citizens not to give money to these organizations, as the funds are not likely to go to the causes claimed. Many of these organizations provide only a small percentage of their donations for charitable causes, with the vast majority of the donations being used for the organization’s administrative and operational purposes.
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https://www.txdps.state.tx.us/solicitations/