Caller ID is just the number. They leave no message.
I call back during hours (using *67 to block my number). They answer and identify themselves as the "Veterans' Action Network". There were boiler room sounds in the background. The operator had an American accent. Basically, he was requesting a donation now so he wouldn't have to call all the time as we had discussed before. He also referenced my previous donation. One major problem, I have never spoken to them before and certainly had never donated. I hung up.
I had additional questions. I called around 7:30 PM ET (using *67 to block my number). Their message is a decent quality computer generated (female) voice. I hear the following, "Thank you for calling. We apologize for the inconvenience of the call you received. Our organization was created by a group of devoted conservatives who wanted a way to effectively support candidates by motivating like minded voters at the grass roots level. Our goal is to organize, motivate, and mobilize the conservative voters of America to help elect and support candidates who share our same goals and values. We are dedicated to replacing the Obama administration with strong conservatives willing to make the difficult decisions necessary to steer our country in the right direction both fiscally and socially. We believe deeply in the preservation of a system that protects our liberties while supporting our rights. Press 1 to hang up, or press 2 if you wish to have your number removed from our calling lists. Thank you." They should identify themselves on their outgoing message (they don't). This message doesn't sound like one for a Veterans' group. I wonder if this number is being used for more than one scam.
I did a check for this group. Nothing good.
greatnonprofits.com gives them one of five stars and says:
1) They call repeatedly and won't stop calling even when asked.
2) They lie about percentage of donations that go to veterans' programs.
3) It was noted that this organization is not listed with the IRS. The Better Business Bureau's Give.org site and Charity Navigator does not list this organization. This organization is listed on the IRS Charity Revocation List.
Other sites say:
1) This organization has not appeared on the IRS Business Master File in a number of months.
2) This organization's exempt status was automatically revoked by the IRS for failure to file a Form 990, 990-EZ, 990-N, or 990-PF for 3 consecutive years. Further investigation and due diligence are warranted.
3) The caller talks over you and is patronizing and pushy.
I checked out their website. It looks like they push a politial agenda versus giving any direct aid to veterans. There is very little on their site concerning officers, financial records, and contact information.
There are plenty of good Veterans groups. I recommend finding another.
Caller ID is just the number. They leave no message.
I call back during hours (using *67 to block my number). They answer and identify themselves as the "Veterans' Action Network". There were boiler room sounds in the background. The operator had an American accent. Basically, he was requesting a donation now so he wouldn't have to call all the time as we had discussed before. He also referenced my previous donation. One major problem, I have never spoken to them before and certainly had never donated. I hung up.
I had additional questions. I called around 7:30 PM ET (using *67 to block my number). Their message is a decent quality computer generated (female) voice. I hear the following, "Thank you for calling. We apologize for the inconvenience of the call you received. Our organization was created by a group of devoted conservatives who wanted a way to effectively support candidates by motivating like minded voters at the grass roots level. Our goal is to organize, motivate, and mobilize the conservative voters of America to help elect and support candidates who share our same goals and values. We are dedicated to replacing the Obama administration with strong conservatives willing to make the difficult decisions necessary to steer our country in the right direction both fiscally and socially. We believe deeply in the preservation of a system that protects our liberties while supporting our rights. Press 1 to hang up, or press 2 if you wish to have your number removed from our calling lists. Thank you." They should identify themselves on their outgoing message (they don't). This message doesn't sound like one for a Veterans' group. I wonder if this number is being used for more than one scam.
I did a check for this group. Nothing good.
greatnonprofits.com gives them one of five stars and says:
1) They call repeatedly and won't stop calling even when asked.
2) They lie about percentage of donations that go to veterans' programs.
3) It was noted that this organization is not listed with the IRS. The Better Business Bureau's Give.org site and Charity Navigator does not list this organization. This organization is listed on the IRS Charity Revocation List.
Other sites say:
1) This organization has not appeared on the IRS Business Master File in a number of months.
2) This organization's exempt status was automatically revoked by the IRS for failure to file a Form 990, 990-EZ, 990-N, or 990-PF for 3 consecutive years. Further investigation and due diligence are warranted.
3) The caller talks over you and is patronizing and pushy.
I checked out their website. It looks like they push a politial agenda versus giving any direct aid to veterans. There is very little on their site concerning officers, financial records, and contact information.
There are plenty of good Veterans groups. I recommend finding another.