This is not a scam. They get the numbers from the agancy that hires them- usually a hosp or something like that. They use auto dail and thats why if you wait to answer no one is there.
It is legiamate research but funded by the state and Gilmore just calls for them. Since it is funded by the state that is why the compensation is only $10 instead of the usual $60-$100 offer for doing focus groups at the Gilmore location.
Whoever called me from the above number claimed they were calling from Gilmore Research Group, regarding a health survey of some sort...if I were to "qualify," I would receive an Amazon.com $10 gift certificate. I asked her 2 questions: how they got my number, and if she knew who I was. She said that my "cell phone number was just randomly selected," and, no, she had no information as to who I was. Which makes me feel like this is not Gilmore Research Group, because I have attended research studies through them, and the particular number they called today is not on file with them. Plus, they always verify with me who I am before conducting the initial "interview" (typically qualifying interviews for in-house studies, which offer better compensation than $10 gift cards anyhow). I found it interesting that she knew she was calling my cell phone--soliciting companies/databases typically avoid calling cell phones (though it happens sometimes). She also said nothing of a database, just that my number was "randomly selected." My feeling is that John is right, perhaps they are just trying to scam personal information out of people. Scary!!!
Received call from (360) 616-8949 at 5:22 pm. Called back immediately. Voice message claimed I had reached the Gilmore Research Group. Message said their hours of operation are 9:00-5:00 m-f. Will call back during supposed business hours. I'd bet all I get is a voice recording regardless of what time I call. Keep your private inforomation PRIVATE!!!