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Last updated on July 5th, 2024 at 11:39 am
I had another call from the National Police and Troopers Association today. This time it was from a California area code.
Please remember that many Law Enforcement agencies don’t call asking for donations. You can always contact your local police or sheriff’s department and ask about these types of calls.
The call
The phone number
The number was from the following phone number:
661-669-8651
It appears that the 661 area code is based in Bakersfield, CA. But it could have been from anywhere just using that specific area code.
The call
The call was logged in at 8:09 am. I usually don’t answer these scam calls but I was curious to see what the caller sounded like.
In previous posts, I had read about this call many commented that the caller was always the same baritone caller.
A trick I use
When I know it’s a scam call I tend to answer my phone as if I am a store. Specifically Pal’s pet supplies. This always throws the caller off if it is a person. Or if it’s a robot caller there is always dead air until I repeat myself. Then I finally hear a hello.
How the call went
My cell phone rang I glanced at the screen and figured I’d answer hoping they would stop calling. The call proceeds as follows:
Me: Pal’s pet supplies how can I help you?
Caller: dead air……
Me: Pal’s pet supplies
Caller: short pause followed by a male voice saying “hello”
Me: Pal’s pet supplies?
Caller: I’m calling from the National Police and Troopers Association.
The caller went on with their donation request speech (I forgot it already)
But I do call the caller stating that the donation would be non-tax deductible.
Caller: Can we count on your support followed by a pause
Me: No because this is a place of business, not a residence.
Caller: oh okay have a nice day
promptly followed by the call ending.
Why I think this is a scam
I think this is a scam call because the caller doesn’t answer the second a word is said. There seems to be a short pause almost as if the caller is expecting a hello first. There are also pauses in the chat as if they are waiting for the answer to proceed with the next step.
The fact that the caller didn’t give me a name. They just launched into their speech about the donation request.
A big one for me is that they noted that the donation would be non-tax deductible.
The biggest red flag is that they claim to be calling for a law enforcement charity. The last time I checked law enforcement doesn’t ask for donations via the phone.
Pal’s Tips 🐾
- Ask as many questions as you see fit about the charity.
- Don’t feel pressured to give even if the caller keeps asking.
- Contact your local law enforcement office and ask about this charity call.
- Do research about the charity call.
- Block the phone number if you feel it’s a scam.
Don’t donate if you don’t want to
Being that this may be a scam I would say don’t give a donation if you don’t feel right about it. Even if the robo caller may pressure you to give.
Always ask questions as well. If the caller can’t give you any information aside from their script hang up.
You can always reach out to your local law enforcement office and ask about the donation call.
