Caller ID says    "Hyde Park  MA".  I pick up (I was expecting an incoming medical call from an unknown number).  As usual, I say nothing (typically a computer is waiting for a response before you are connected to an operator, so this usually works).  I hear "Hello, Steve?".  I respond.  It is someone calling on behalf of the "Cancer Recovery Foundation".  They go on a spiel for a while.  They claim that I gave in the past (I may have years ago) and give amounts that fit with what I would have given back then.

When they start asking for money, I start asking questions.  I ask for their website.  I am given ganderson@cancer.org (probably so they can get my email address for future solicitations).  I persist and am given www.cancerrecovery.org.  This site is loaded with inspiring stories (hoping to inspire you to give).  It is short on much else.  This makes me suspicious of how serious a charity they are.  They already had all my mailing information.  They would send me a blank pledge card as I committed to nothing.

I call back during hours (using *67 to block my number) to see if I can figure out who the telemarketing firm is.  I hear the following "Thank you for calling the Donor Privacy Protection Line.  Our office hours are 8AM to 5PM monday through friday.  We are proud to partner with America's greatest non-profits in our telephone fundraising campaigns.  Some of our partner agencies support health, veterans, food bank, and other vital services for people in need across the country, and we're greatful for the chance to support their efforts.  If you no longer wish to receive calls on behalf of one of our non-profit partners, at the tone, please, state the phone number you wish to be removed from the call list and the name of the non-profit from whose list you would like to be removed.  We hope that you will continue to support the organization through other channels.  Thank you for calling.  If you would like to leave a message, I'll record it now.  <pause> Thank you.  Your message has been sent.  If you need further assistance, enter pound now.  Thank you and goodbye."