I think I've been snookered. Learn from my mistakes!

[TheGrey]

Anybody that knows me has a pretty good idea about how I feel about first responders. When I got a call from the American Police Officers Alliance, I was surprised and a little uneasy with the tone of the caller. I didn't recognize the number, but that's not anything new in my line of business. I agreed to donate some money, but got a sinking feeling as the caller continued to repeat "You agree to donate $X." They've got my voice recorded, I'm sure of it. They started pressuring me about a credit card, and I regained my senses and stated "No way. You send me literature."

A week later, I got an invoice in the mail. I did a little research, and realized one of my mistakes was the name- I thought I was donating to the American Police and Sheriffs Association. Instead, this American Police Officers Alliance is some political association out of Virginia. As they had recorded my voice agreeing to donate, I sent a money order for the amount i'd agreed to send ($35.00. I know, I know.) and figured that would be the end of it. I got a call last night from someone from the Alliance, stating they never got my money order. Now I can't find the receipt, and it would cost even more to track the damn thing, as I got the Money Order at King Soopers.

I know that cases taken to court for people agreeing to donate to charities are starting to be more frequent. I don't know about political groups. Either way, it's a bit of a mess now.

And I know, I know. I should have been much more aware when answering the phone. It's my fault that I fell for it.

But if I can save anyone else from this, I'll feel better. So be aware, and warn your spouses about this, too.

[SouthPaw]

Your avatar is very fitting for this thread..

[Gman]

I get spam called frequently where the caller has a southern accent wanting donations for some police organization. I tell them to send me their information in the mail and I'll look it over. I've never received anything from any of them. I think it's a total scam where they're looking to grab quick money over the phone and I doubt any of it goes to help officers or their families.

[TheGrey]

Your avatar is very fitting for this thread..

LOL! I know, right? One nonstop "D'OH!"

[TheGrey]

I get spam called frequently where the caller has a southern accent wanting donations for some police organization. I tell them to send me their information in the mail and I'll look it over. I've never received anything from any of them. I think it's a total scam where they're looking to grab quick money over the phone and I doubt any of it goes to help officers or their families.

I think that is the part that's bothering me the most. Dammit.

[Martinjmpr]

Wait, I'm not understanding how they can take you to court over this.

First, If you sent the money, you sent it. It's not your responsibility to make sure it gets there.

Second, A contract requires offer + acceptance + consideration (i.e something of value) to both parties.

Since you get nothing out of this transaction it's not legally a contract so what can they sue for?

My thought is tell them to pound sand and block their number.

[Irving]

I get spam called frequently where the caller has a southern accent wanting donations for some police organization. I tell them to send me their information in the mail and I'll look it over. I've never received anything from any of them. I think it's a total scam where they're looking to grab quick money over the phone and I doubt any of it goes to help officers or their families.

This exactly. I get calls from aNew York number and a very aggressive guy. Recently started blocking numbers (I'm a slow learner) after answering probably over one hundred spam calls over the past year.

[Irving]

Didn't read the whole thread until now. I'd be zero worried about any legal stuff from them. Threatening fake legal action is like the #1 rule in the scammer play book. Think of it the same as the IRS calls. Just to scare people into coughing up money.

[TheGrey]

Wait, I'm not understanding how they can take you to court over this.

First, If you sent the money, you sent it. It's not your responsibility to make sure it gets there.

Second, A contract requires offer + acceptance + consideration (i.e something of value) to both parties.

Since you get nothing out of this transaction it's not legally a contract so what can they sue for?

My thought is tell them to pound sand and block their number.

Thus far, they've contacted me from two different numbers.

I've been looking it up online (YMMV) and although there are some points about the legality of charitable pledges, I can't find anything about binding enforcement for pledges to political groups. That may be a loophole!

But my main point is, don't put yourself in this situation like I did. Be extra vigilant!

[TheGrey]

Didn't read the whole thread until now. I'd be zero worried about any legal stuff from them. Threatening fake legal action is like the #1 rule in the scammer play book. Think of it the same as the IRS calls. Just to scare people into coughing up money.

I'm starting to realize that I shouldn't be too worried.

I'm most agry at myself for even playing along with it, thinking it was the other Association. And I know they have my voice recorded, and I'm furious about that.