We got a call from this number today at 1:38 pm and didn't answer. The caller ID was UNKNOWN NAME. No voice mail message was left. When I called back (our caller ID is hidden by default on outgoing calls) I heard a recording which began with "Hello" and didn't continue until I replied. This time I replied in Spanish, and the recording continued. It wouldn't have mattered what language I spoke or even what I said. It's a very sophisticated system which is apparently intended to make the caller believe he or she is talking to a live person. The speaker gives his name and says he is calling for the American Veterans Support Foundation. This is a new number for the same scam and will be added to our call blocker. They certainly must get a lot of money to be able to afford such a system.
The 'point' of the DNC list is LEGITIMATE companies can no longer 'cold call' you without your WRITTEN permission. Unfortunately, it does not stop CRIMINALS like this caller who attempt to get around the DNC rules by exploiting one of the THREE 'exceptions' to the rules: Charities, Surveys/Polls, and Political calls.
This one is obviously exploiting the 'Charity' option, even though its UNLIKELY that MUCH of the 'donations' or contributions go to any real charity.
This call came on on a SUNDAY at 5:15PM; SUNDAY DINNER TIME. We let it go to ans. machine KNOWING from the '857' area code that it is likely SPAM and A LIE. It is. There is NO SUCH LEGITIMATE VETERAN'S CHARITY by this name.
Suspect this call/caller (CRIMINAL) is connected to the OTHER SPAM CALL we got today (SUNDAY of THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY weekend) from 607-203-5573 from "A.F.P.O." (claiming to be connected to a police organization) but ALSO calling OTHERS using the CID of "A.V.F." implying a Veteran's connection.
BOTH ARE FRAUD. There are **NO** such LEGITIMATE charities by these names. Check it out for yourself at:
www.charitynavigator.org.
This call came is as "OUT-OF-AREA" with NO name even 'offered.'
Call Type: FRAUDSTER/SCAMMER/CRIMINALS
The only problem with the DNC list is that so many of those who sign up for it, without reading what it's actual purpose is, don't have a clue how it works.