CHARITY WARNS PUBLIC ABOUT PHONE SCHEMES : MAKE-A-WISH FOUNDATION DENIES SOLICITATIONS.Byline: Daily News Make-A-Wish Foundation The Make-A-Wish Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that grants wishes to children (2.5 years to 18 years old) with life-threatening medical conditions. leaders of the Tri-Counties are informing residents that they never solicit donations over the phone, although board members do occasionally call donors to thank them for contributions. The foundation has received several calls recently from concerned consumers who are being solicited by phone, said Brenda Fletcher Fletcher may refer to one of the following: Ideas and companies
``Make-A-Wish does not conduct telephone or door-to-door solicitation solicitation In criminal law, the act of asking, inducing, or directing someone to commit a crime. The person soliciting another becomes an accomplice to the crime. The term also refers to the act of obtaining bribes, as well as to the crime of a prostitute who offers sexual . However, we are often confused with organizations that do,'' Fletcher said. ``The foundation recognizes that telemarketing telemarketing, the practice of selling goods or services to customers by means of the telephone or of surveying consumer preferences in telephone conversations. is a legitimate way of marketing and selling products and services. However, consumers can be confused, and Make-A-Wish wants to ensure that consumer's donations are going to the charity of their choice.'' It is important for the public to ask questions of anyone who calls on the telephone soliciting for a cause, Fletcher noted. Knowing what the organization is all about, getting clear and direct answers and understanding some techniques of telephone telemarketing are ways to avoid confusion, Fletcher said. The Alliance Against Fraud in Telemarketing - formed by the National Consumers League - has outlined several ways for consumers to handle telemarketing calls: Don't allow yourself to be pushed into a hurried hur·ried adj. 1. a. Moving or acting rapidly. b. Required to move or act more rapidly; rushed. 2. Done in great haste: a hurried tour. decision Always request written information about a product, service, investment or charity, and details about the organization Don't make a donation, investment or purchase that you don't understand Ask what state and federal agencies the firm is regulated by and/or required to be registered with If an investment or major purchase is involved, request that the information also be sent to your accountant, financial adviser, banker or attorney for evaluation Ask what recourse The right of an individual who is holding a Commercial Paper, such as a check or promissory note, to receive payment on it from anyone who has signed it if the individual who originally made it is unable, or refuses, to tender payment. you would have if you make a purchase and aren't satisfied Don't provide personal financial information over the phone unless you are absolutely certain the caller Caller may refer to one of the following:
If necessary, hang up Fletcher said that it is important to be wary of telephone solicitation, but to also remember that many legitimate groups use telemarketing to support important and worthwhile causes. Any questionable actions by a telephone solicitor solicitor, in English law, person duly admitted to practice before the supreme court of judicature. He is the agent of the person whose suit he handles, and is distinguished from a barrister, who argues cases before the judge (see attorney). should be reported to a local State Attorney General's office. The Make-A-Wish Foundation of the Tri-Counties was founded in 1985 and has granted more than 300 wishes to children with life-threatening illnesses. For more information on the organization, call (805) 681-1644. |
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