They called while I was out, but the Caller ID of TSTA and the previous comment, coupled with a recent call from Texas State Troopers Association which I did answer pretty much make it clear the source.
Here's what the Texas Attorney General has to say about them:
"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."
Retrieved on 08/29/16
https://texasattorneygeneral.gov/alerts/alerts_view_alpha.php?id=172&type=1
While, technically, a non-profit, TSTA's use of the money makes it (In my opinion.) below telemarketers, and closer to scammers.
They called while I was out, but the Caller ID of TSTA and the previous comment, coupled with a recent call from Texas State Troopers Association which I did answer pretty much make it clear the source.
Here's what the Texas Attorney General has to say about them:
"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."
Retrieved on 08/29/16
https://texasattorneygeneral.gov/alerts/alerts_view_alpha.php?id=172&type=1
While, technically, a non-profit, TSTA's use of the money makes it (In my opinion.) below telemarketers, and closer to scammers.
So-called Troopers Association beggars. Here's what the Texas DPS (Real troopers) has to say about folks like these:
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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/