248-397-0079

This number just called the office moments ago. On the other end was a robocall asking callers to consider donating unwanted items to Veterans of America.

I tired to look up the group on Charity Navigator but I received 1000 hits. Looking at the front page alone, I found two companies, but I'm not sure if the call was for one of those or neither:
Veterans of America Rc (Alabama) -- Not rated
Veterans of America Inc. (Oklahoma) -- Not rated; $530k income and $364k revenue

As always with charities, donator beware.

📞 This number, with the caller name of DME COMPANY, called my home phone earlier tonight. Given my parents received a call with the same caller id that turned out to be a robocall, I chose not to answer this one.

Later, I noticed the caller left a voice mail. An automated voice left the following message:

Quote:

If you have been thinking about donating your car, real estate, or time shares to charity, please consider donating to Veterans of America. Donations are itemized-tax deductible, and all real estate donations are deductible for full market value. We also accept most time shares. So, call us today at 800-669-0250. Thank you.

I've classified this call as Telemarketer because I'm not sure if Veterans of American is a bona fide nonprofit organization. I've also added this number to my list of blocked numbers.

There are several charities by that name.  I can't tell which one this is, but if they are farming out donation solicitation calls, you can be sure most of the money collected is going into the call center owner's pocket.

BigA,

I'm all too aware of the fact that charities and other entities that use third-party telemarketing often receive a very low percentage of what's collected. Just as Office Flunky attempted to do above, my mother has also looked up cold-calling charities on Charity Navigator over the years. For those she could find on the site, It was eye-opening to see how many of them either had low ratings or had most of their receipts go to telemarketing-related or other administrative fees. I imagine that also influenced what I'm about to say next.

I didn't want to put it in my OP, lest it be too off-topic, but I won't donate to anyone that cold-calls me--even if the charity is 100% legitimate and even when I'm called for my alma mater's annual fundraising efforts. For the charitable causes I do support, I try to do so as directly as possible so I know most of the money goes to the intended purpose.