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Often these callers start out the conversation, by asking in a friendly manner: "How are you today, Mr. (or Ms.) and then using the intended victim's name. They generally follow up by asking if, for instance, you support the so-called drug war; or whether you don't agree that fire fighting is a dangerous but necessary job. After a few other questions from a script designed to get the victim to repeatedly say yes, these fraudsters will then offer their pitch. Sometimes they allege to be selling items or tickets to events--and other times they will simply request a donation to be used for some spurious benevolent reason.
By saying someone is knocking at the door and asking for the caller's phone number, the victim can usually determine whether the caller is legitimate. Fraudsters will almost never leave their telephone number. However, if a legitimate local public service is handling an authentic fund raiser, the caller will not hesitate to leave a number.
Even if a telephone number is provided, after the caller hangs up, it is still a good idea to call the appropriate public service and ask if the caller was legitimate. For instance, if the caller claims to be from the local fire department selling field day tickets, call the main non-emergency number of the fire department and ask if such an event is planned and whether sales are being conducted by telemarketers.
Like most telephone scams, these frauds are easily identified by a demand for an immediate decision or commitment.
While there are legitimate and worthwhile public service fundraising events, they are seldom telemarketed and high pressure tactics are usually avoided. (This writer once won a new car from a Detroit Fireman's Field Day ticket purchased at a fire station.)
Claiming to have no credit card will also usually work to get rid of a fraudulent caller.
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