As I've said a few times before, if "scam call" was one of the drop menu choices, no phone call would ever be accurately categorized again. I would agree with a revision to "charity" or "fundraiser". Whether or not the operation is a fraud is a separate issue, as with sales and debt collector calls. Callers are regulated differently according to their supposed purpose, which is why it matters to segregate them here.
I just got a call from this number and told the guy that this is my parents house and may I take a message, then he responds "nevermind" and hangs up!!! They never mentioned that they were calling for donations or who they were.
Things to consider from the Federal Trade Commission when a "hero charity" tries to bully or "guilt trip" your wallet open ....
Fundraisers Calling on Behalf of Police and Firefighters
http://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0085-fun ... nd-firefighters
[excerpt] Simply having the words “police” or “firefighter” in an organization’s name doesn’t mean police or firefighters are members of the group. Just because an organization claims it has local ties or works with local police or firefighters doesn’t mean contributions will be used locally or for public safety.
Donating to Public Safety Fundraisers
http://business.ftc.gov/documents/bus31-donating-public-safety-fundraisers
[excerpt] Most police and fire departments are funded by your tax dollars. However, they may ask you to contribute to their professional associations or labor unions at local, state, or national levels. These groups typically use paid fundraisers to solicit donations. Be cautious: simply having the words ''police'' or ''firefighter'' in an organization’s name doesn’t mean police or firefighters are members of the group — or benefit from it. Call your local police or fire department to verify any fundraiser’s claims.
What's more, always remember that "nonprofit" is a tax category, not a reflection of where money goes. You are likely to find that most if not all charity calls are placed by a commercial fundraiser, such as Associated Community Services, Dial America, Donor Care Center, Donor Services Group, Harris Direct, Horizon Marketing, InfoCision, Insight Teleservices, MDS, and TeleFund. These companies typically swallow half or more of collected funds. What's left can often funnel straight to the salaries and overhead of their "charity" client executives, leaving pennies for the people you're told your dollars benefit. That, of course, assumes the charity is not simply a pure fraud.
As commercial entities, hired call centers are expected to honor an internal no-call list and add any number upon request. Break that order, the FTC declares, and ''the telemarketer may be subject to a fine of up to $16,000.'' They are also covered to a point by other regulations for telepests, so you can report abandoned calls, canned calls to mobile phones, and so on.
In a comment from Nov 2012 linked below, find the simple steps I took to rid myself of a major pain boiler room by politely rubbing its face in federal laws. You will note that I never rely on verbal cease-communication demands.
http://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-914-294-2543/7#p480457181536419195
called my moms home, I answered, they hung up on me....I look it up online....and this is what I find...wont be "guilting" any money out of me!??!?! Stevenson A. was on the caller ID.
This idiot A Stevenson continues to call and call and call. I do not answer, but am so tired of her s---
Leave me alone, do something better with your time....