Charities

[NEILL THE NOTORIOUS]

There are one or two Charities, which I support, in addition to the local Church.
Lately I have noticed, that when you have replied to an Appeal- -- for instance on Radio or Television,-- the flood gates open ! --- It seems that you are now on the list of "Possibles", which are purseued by those employed to further the Cause of the Charity.

This makes me wonder if, such people swap names, of their successful "Strikes" (For want of a better term)

Pehaps I am an old cynic --- but it does seem strange, how my morning Mail seems to increase.

I have a further moan, in that, once you have subscribed, there seems to be a continuous further appeal for an increase in your giving ! --- I can see that the Fundraisers are doing their job ------BUT !

Has anybody else had the same experience ? --- or is it just Neill ?-----

[midget]

You are not alone, Neill. We save unsolicited mail, and periodically label them "Return to sender" and send them back. Much fun can be had with those that include SAEs, you simply put in a portion of another charity's literature and post it.

[Mid A 15]

I have the same problem.

However I have nipped it in the bud with one particular persistent culprit by writing back to the effect that if they can afford to waste postage repeatedly writing to existing donors then they obviously need neither my donation nor the gift aid thereon.

Shouldn't need to go to that trouble though.

[J.R.]

I was talking to our local friendly postie a couple of days ago.

He reckons over two thirds of what he stuffs through letter-boxes is un-solicited cr@p !

[NEILL THE NOTORIOUS]

Thanks for your comforting replies ---------- I shall stop hitting the Postman !

[blondie95]

Charities cannot swap lists of donors, and there should be somewhere when you make your donation the ability to either be anon (therefore they cant send you anything) or opt out of future mailings.
Having worked for a charity for 4 years and knowing the in's and out of donations and direct mailing, its a difficult thing for charities to do, they want to thank you for your support and ensure you are updated on what they are doing, and yes hope you conitnue to give or give more.

[NEILL THE NOTORIOUS]

There are also the unsolicited 'phone calls, which say they are replying to "Your Enquiry" --- which you havn't made, or an Asian voice asking for you by name, to discuss Insurance, or the like.

My latest ploy, which I recommend, is to say "Just a minute ---" and lay the 'phone down, while getting on with what you were doing.
This has two advantages ---- They are wasting money on a useless call, and you get the satisfaction of sniggering in the background. --- I know this is juvenile --- but I have few pleasures ! !
1471 is useless to identify, as it doesn't work with overseas calls !

[blondie95]

add yourself to the tps list then they cant call you

[Fjgrogan]

We are on the TPS list but we still get occasional calls - one claiming to be from Limoges in France, with a very Asian accent, recently phoned five times in 24 hours. I toyed with the idea of replying in French, but eventually I just shouted very loud and it seemed to work! Yesterday I had (again an Asian accent) someone claiming to be Kevin from some Debt Counselling firm, who insisted that his records showed I had outstanding unsecured debts. I took great delight in telling him that I do not owe a single penny to anyone - he said 'Are you sure?'! and gave up. In retrospect I should have asked him to tell me who I owe money to?

[blondie95]

if someone rings and your on tps just say im on tps you are not allowed to call and say you will take it up with the company! they then quickly disappear

[NEILL THE NOTORIOUS]

Yes Blondie, BUT, they have already telephoned you !
I am on the Tps, and when I complained, I was told that it cannot work with Overseas calls.

One of the Blessed Anne's friends was furious that she couldn't be connected to our number -------
She is Ex- Directory ----- Oh Joy !

[Fjgrogan]

When I mention TPS to callers they always immediately apologise and ring off, but it clearly doesn't work with calls from Limoges.