Donation Scam calls are on the rise

Last updated on July 5th, 2024 at 10:58 am

Any info cited for this post was found via a general online search.

We all know donations scam calls aren’t new. But lately, it seems they have gotten a bit more sophisticated.

They are also using 1-800 numbers and many sound legitimate. But it’s always better to do some research before donating.

If the caller is demanding or rushed ask questions about the charity. Especially if it’s not one you are familiar with.

The phone number

The call I received today (4/27/2023) was from a valid 1-800 number. So of course I figured it could be important so I answered.

The call was from the following number: (888) 899-0868

The Caller

Today (4/27/2023) I had a call from a 1-800 number on my cellphone. I answered and was met by a female caller after a delay.

As usual, as soon as they say hello twice and they hear a voice they jump into their speech. She claimed to be taking donations for the  American Coalition for autistic children pac.

She kept her speech up before asking for a donation. Or I should say if they could send me a donation ship in the mail.

Prior to asking for the donation, she stated that their coalition helped autistic and special needs, children. She also mentioned that they work with politicians to help special needs, kids. She never mentioned they were a charity.

As soon as I cut her off stating she had called a business line the call went dead.

I always find these very suspicious because most charities don’t hang up on you when you refuse to donate.

more about the call

I found the exact caller and portion of the transcript over at Robokill.

I also found another full transcript of a similar call over at Nomorrobo. It was also from a 1-800 number but it was from 2022.

The best info I found was on Youtube. I found a video shared by Boda Scambaits. They share a bit about the PAC and the info they found as well as a call.

It seems this PAC also goes by another name. You can find out that info by visiting Scammer.info.

how is this call a scam?

It could be a phishing scam. Some people had shared that if they agreed to donate their call was forwarded to another caller who asked them for credit card info.

If you have a cold call asking for a donation to a Charity or in this case a PAC always question it.

I think the caller was a computer

I find it odd that many of these calls have delays to be answered. I think many think the caller will say Yes or something else aside from hello.

I said hello and the female voice took 30 seconds to maybe a minute to reply back with a hello followed by another hello.

I also thought it was odd that when I said they called a business line the call went dead.

Remember you are free to ask questions

Being that this charity or PAC organization called you gives you the right to ask questions. If you feel that you are being rushed into donating or even pressured to give ask why.

Being that this call was from the  American Coalition for autistic children pac which means it’s a political organization. So I don’t know if they would be considered a charity or tax deductible.

Get the word out about these types of scams.