9133846885

OK, here's the scam. They walk a fine line. The more calls they make, the more they get paid. But, why did they call my home, which is unlisted and on the do not call list, and ask for my daughter who is in grad school? Answer: they may have obtained it from her high school. How did they get it? There's a lot of ways, but none of them are legal. I'll be contacting the Missouri DA (who I know personally) to go after them.

My daughter hasn't attended any trade shows, garden shows, or signed up for any time-share drawings. She was trained many years ago by me, a security analyst about how to avoid giving information away.

One thing I suspect is that they got a list under the table from an Army recruiter. I've received calls from the Army and they will tell you that they can get that list from the high school and it's perfectly legal. What isn't legal is when a recruiter sells it to someone. We all know how untrustworthy recruiters are.

Since they called from Kansas into Missouri, the jurisdiction is federal so this could get interesting. So, Mr. Mike, how did you get my daughter's name and "unlisted" phone number? Why don't you tell us, if you aren't a scam artist; that is?

Flip D'Switch - I don't know about all that, I'm afraid my list purchases are far less exotic and underhanded than you may think.  Not knowing your phone number, I can't tell you specifically where I got your number, but I can narrow it down:
I use 3 list providers, Survey Sampling, Scientific Telephone Samples, and Kroll Direct marketing (I'm sure they each have websites, and maybe a way for consumers to get removed from their lists, so feel free to follow up on that).  Anyway, we just do short radio surveys.  Each radio station has a specific format that targets a specific listening audience which we try to identify by calling and asking our questions.  Rather than call randomly out of the phone book, it makes more sense to try and target the demographics that we're looking for.  So if I'm doing a rock station, I would most likely try to target males between 18 and 34 years of age.  Or look for people between 25 and 44 for country music and so on.  
All I do is order lists based on age and gender, so if I ordered a list of households with females between the ages of 20-30 and your daughter's name and number is on it, then that's why we called.  How do the list companies get that info?  I have no idea, I just order the list and they provide them.  We're registered with the National DNC list (because we never sell or solicit) and that seems to always get people fired up when we call.  Again, it's 2 minute survey, not really worth getting worked up about, and we're more than happy to remove anyone from our list.  BUT - I've got to know your phone number in order to take it off.  I've spoken with Attorney Generals from KS, MO, MI, CA, PA, TX and CO.  They receive a complaint, we talk, they quickly recognize why we are exempt from the DNC, they give me the reporting phone number, I remove it, and they move on to phone scammers who deserve this treatment because they sell or scam or steal identities or whatever.  By all means you can go that route yourself, or you can just tell me what number to remove and I can do it immediately.  Again, you can mail or call me mike@vipresearch.net or 913.384.9494.  You've got my name, e-mail and phone number so reach out to me and I'll take care of it (and I'm sure lots of scam artists provide their contact info).  Or do nothing, follow the instructions of these other goofy posts and enjoy the self induced drama.  I just want you to do the survey or don't.  I'm happy either way, but you gotta let us know (not just hanging up, the dialer will not infer your angst, it'll just think you're not home and try to call back later).
I can tell that no one ever reads my posts, or they wouldn't keep posting all this random stuff. That being said, since this will be ingored like all my other posts, I've got to add this: I've got a crew of regular folks; Students, teachers, senior citizens, housewives, and a bunch of real-estate/ mortgage/ full time day job folks (English speaking Americans no less) who are working a part-time job to help pay the bills.  Times are tough, and this job helps my employees and it makes a difference in what people hear on the radio.  Is that so bad?  Heaven forbid someone should call and ask your opinion about something?  Does it cost you anything?  Do we collect any info other than name, age, and the stations you listen to?  Do we ever re-sell your info?  Would any 3rd party ever contact you as a result of our little survey?  NO!

It's only her 2nd night, and I'll fix her or fire her.

I already have your phone number, because we called you.  
So I have your number, right?  
If you tell me what number to stop calling, we will not call it again.

But according to the other posts, if you tell me what number to stop calling (again, I already have it, because I'm calling it...) then I'll what?  Steal your identity?

If I stand in front of your house and ask you your address (which I can plainly see, right) and you tell me, then I will immediately rob your house. Right?  I couldn't have done it unless you told me your address (even though I'm standing there looking at it).

If we're looking at you car, and I tell you your license plate number, you're safe.  But if you repeat it back to me, I'm gonna steal your car.
C'mon.

Wow, I see your point.  It's probably safer to let me keep calling and bugging you, rather than tell me what number to remove.  
Far safer indeed......

At this point, call or mail me if you want off the list (all my info is in previous posts) or just do whatever.  Posting here, in an effort to do the right thing (list removal) is a waste of time and effort on my part.
I did my part, I'm done, good luck.

I also am on the no call list.  I HAVE read many posts and sure as the heck I get your calling hangups also.  I try to call you back and there is no answer.  GET OFF MY LINE!!!!!!!!!!  AND LEAVE ME ALONE YOU SLJWODFHS.

Mike, you crack me up.  I give you big props for staying on here and making sure people aren't getting the wrong idea.

I just checked myself since I got a few calls today.

HOWEVER, I have been an active participant in these radio surveys and am happy to keep participating, since it gets love to my favorite songs and station.  :-)

Knowing that it's you guys, I will wait a bit longer next time.  Just an FYI though, I have waited just over 5 seconds upon pick up...which is unusual for the radio surveys.

I have had several of these calls.  They asked for my deceased daughter.
I told them she was deceased.  The lady said that was okay.  Wanted to know if I would answer what 3 radio stations I listen to.  I told her.  Then she asked if there were any other women in the house who could answer the same questions.  The lady seemed nice.  She did not ask my name.    

They have called 2 times that I know of................ First time they didn't want any information as I was to old.

Oh well,      I will put them on call block next time.

My father has been getting calls from this number for at least several weeks. They keep asking for me (and I moved out nearly 2 years ago). They call all hours of the day, multiple times a day. It is insane! They call at least a half dozen times per day. I think the earliest they've called was 7 AM and the latest was between 10-11 PM.

I've been home for a visit this week. I never picked up the phone. My Dad got so sick of being harrassed by these people that last night he yelled at them to stop calling for me. He's told them to stop calling several times, but they never quit calling. Whomever he talked to last night kept trying to get him to hand the phone over to me. Dad said I don't live in this house, this is HIS number, not mine (and he refused to give my new number). The person on the other end was so insistent about talking to me that after a few minutes of arguing back and forth my Dad just hung up. No sense arguing with a crazy person. Why couldn't they understand that "DO NOT CALL" means "DO NOT CALL!" It's not that confusing. If a person tells you for weeks and weeks to stop calling, then stop calling!

So far we haven't gotten any calls today. Let's hope they leave us alone.

Mad:
First, I'm sorry if there's been an issue.  Second, if you call or e-mail me with the area code and phone number, I'll make sure you're removed from all of our lists.  Finally, I know we all look alike on the phone, but I can guarantee, 100% that we have never, ever called your house at 7am.  We only work Monday through Thursday and make calls from 5p-9p (or 10pm if we've asked for, and received permission to do so).  

Again,  I'll apologize for any of our calls, and if you give me the number, I'll make sure you're removed.

Mike Heydman  mike@vipresearch.net
VIP Research Inc.
Ph  913.384.9494 x 103
Fax 913.384.0476

male voice asked for female by her first name and then hung up.  phone number from which call came was 913-384-6885

Mike, who his hiring your company to make these calls? Is it a handful of companies, or is it region/recipient specific? Would the telemarketer on the other end be able and willing to tell me should I decide to pick up the phone?

I ask because in the US, people have to pay for unsolicited cell phone calls (god bless the spineless DoJ/Congress for that). That means the call is costing me money and time. Any company who makes money while at the same time causing me to lose money, all while I get nothing out of it, is a company I would never do business with again.

John:
We provide this service to radio stations all over the US and Canada.  The agents themselves usually have no idea where they're even calling into as we call different markets all night long.  That being said, I'm surprised we've contacted you on a cell phone.  I order my lists specifically without cell numbers (we want you to listen to your radio in your car, not take surveys about it).  Please call or e-mail me with the area code and phone number that we're calling you on.  That way I can determine who I bought it from and why I got it in the first place.  I appreciate your help with this, and I'll be sure to remove your number once I get it.  Thanks, Mike Heydman  mike@vipresearch.net 913.384.9494

Mr. Record man dont ever wanna play no Jackyl records or you beg and beg for Megadeth but all the good rock stations just get bought by EnterCom who runins them...CLEAR CHANNEL WHY DID YOU SELL THE PLANET?? Where is the Buzzard? ENTERCOM SUCKS...Where did Zakk Tyler and the rude awakening go?

Called with a survey in the past, told them to stop...  Now they've started again.

These guys are harmless.  I just got a call from this number and answered a couple of questions regarding the radio stations I listen to.  They didn't ask me ANY other questions about me personally except for my age.  I was on the phone for approximately 60 seconds and I didn't feel like I was being stalked or harassed.  It's FINE.

Why don't you quit spamming people and at least ask their permission before calling them for your stupid surveys.  I did not sign up NOR ask to be bothered during dinner EVERY FREAKING NIGHT FOR the LAST 3 DAYS...only to be hung up on when I answer.  You stupid survey people are the new telemarketing thorns in the publics sides that make me understand the concept of fining companies for being a nuisence.  Get a clue dude.  OR just get a real job where your not bothering consumers.  NO ONE WANTS YOUR STUPID SURVEY...so quit cold calling people and leave us the hell alone!

913-384-9494 will get you to a live person.  Here is some additional contact information:

5700 Broadmoor  Suite 200  Missions, KS  66202
 

Clark Roberts - Sales Director/ CFO/  (Money Guru) 913.384.9494 Ext. 102  clark@vipresearch.net
 

Mike Heydman - Research Director/ COO/   (Research Ninja)  913.384.9494 Ext. 103  mike@vipresearch.net
 

Valorie Heydman - Project Coordinator/ CEO/  (Mrs. Details) 913.384.9494 Ext. 105  val@vipresearch.net
 

Matt Anzalone - Production / Executive Assistant / (Boy Wonder) 913.384.9494 Ext. 113  matt@vipresearch.net
 

Rebecca was really helpful in removing my name from the list.  Ask for her by name.  Judging by the caption names these yo-yos have assigned them selves......you do the math.

the [***] hung up on me when I pressed to speak to a supervisor, I have asked them before not to call this number and to remove use from their calling list, we are on the do not call list and want to be removed.

William, if you call or e-mail me with the area code and phone number that we called, I can both take you off of our list, and find out who hung up on you and handle him as well.  Without your number, however, I can't do anything at all.  So call me at 913.384.9494 or just e-mail me at mike@vipresearch.net and I will get you taken care of.
Mike

music survey

Ok, this has to be the biggest SCAM I have ever heard of.  It is just like the FAX Scam, once they know it is a good fax number, you will be Fax-Scam-Junk-Faxed to death. Soooo, once you answer the phone, you are then registered in their data-base as a live number.  THEN, if you answer a question, any question, even burp, then they have you as a 'responsive' call.  Then they SELL (yes you just made them some bucks) your phone number (with or without your name) and you now get the wonderful privilege of being placed on thousands of other SCAM CALLERS lists, who Now know your active phone number, and that you are a 'responsive' recipient to these idiot calls.  CONGRATULATIONS to all who answered these calls - you have now been officially Scammed.  Scammers1 - People0