Mar 2, 2015
I'm glad I checked here about this number. A couple of weeks ago,in a hurry,I was expecting a call from an unfamiliar number,so I unfortunately answered my phone-I don't recall the number on the caller ID-and too late,realized it was one of these scam pleas for donations,supposedly the Alabama State Troopers Assoc. (They've been pulling that one for at least 25 years,in my experience...) I angrily told him I didn't have any interest in donating,said 'don't call back',and hung up.
Today when the phone rang,the caller ID showed Demop AL and 334-216-7331. Since the number wasn't familiar to me,was not my area code,and I don't know anyone who is in or would have any reason to be in Demopolis,I didn't answer. I was still aggravated at myself about the previous call. I normally don't answer numbers I don't recognize or will only if I am expecting an important call from an unfamiliar number. I especially don't answer if it's in an area code I don't recognize. It helps that my family and friends who call are mostly local,I guess.
But,that's also why I try to not pick up the phone if I don't recognize the name and number. It just pays to be familiar with numbers of others you might be expecting to call you,or come online and check out unfamiliar numbers-which I had failed to do for the earlier call. And if you need reading glasses to check the number-keep a pair nearby!LOL My dear mother wastes more calls on her cell phone when she answers it because she can't see without her glasses to check if she recognizes the number. I gently got on her about it and told her there are too many scammers out there,so she has been more careful lately...
My best bit of advice to offer,which I have always followed,is NEVER give money to telephone solicitors-NEVER! You can voluntarily snail mail donations to associations and charities that you have absolutely verified to be real.There's no way you can guarantee the person on the other end of that telephone line or sitting at that computer keyboard soliciting you is legitimate. Anybody can SAY they are somebody to try to fool you into thinking they are legitimate-don't fall for it! Be charitable,but be smart about it,okay? :)