Did not answer. My experience: Telemarketers seem to first call with "Private Caller" ID to see if line is a working line or when you are home if you answer. If you answer, your phone number is in their phone bank and they know when to call. If you ask them not to call again, they won't call from that number but will now call from a different number.
I screen all my calls and just don't answer names/numbers I don't recognize. It's annoying listening to the phone ring but better that than giving these annoying b.....ds one second o my time!
Just got this call saying it was the "Heart and Stroke" Fund. The male voice said that our number was on his list of "former donors", and he would like to give us the chance to donate to some "famous" doctor's work. We said we stopped donating because we are so sick of getting all of this costly junk in the mail (cards, memo pads, stationary, address labels, pens, and an assortment of other crap) when we would prefer our donation to go towards a cure, rather than junk to prompt more donations.
We NEVER donate to phone appeals, (how do you really know who's calling?) and we're sure we aren't alone in this.
About a month back, I received a call from someone claiming to be calling on behalf of the NDP asking for donations; I had seen something direct from the NDP earlier (I subscribe to them) relating to the same (asking for donations) and so I donated $10 via the website in support.
I got some papers in the mail — direct from the NDP — thanking me for my support, and describing how my donation will be tax refunded later in the fiscal year, which is great. The letter did ask that if any other donations could be made, to do so before the end of the fiscal year, but I feel that $10 is a fine sum.
Just two minutes ago, I received another call from someone on behalf of the NDP — from the number 1-604-905-5175 — thanking me for my previous donation, but asking if I were willing to donate any more. I told the rep. that no I would not, not at this time. He thanked me, and we hung up.
My question: is this a call-centre who call on the behalf of organizations, or is it a scam? If it is a scam, how did they access my information from what is supposed to be a secure website for a political party? Either way, if they call again, I am going to ask to be removed from their calling list.