Updated - Scam using Kerry's name to call and solicite $$ - rut roh on

[Pirate Smile]

the scammers.

Now it states

"Update <2005-4-14 12:17:14 by mlk>:I just got off the phone with Senator Kerry's office and they have received several phone calls about this and assured me that this *DID NOT* come from the real "Friends of Kerry". The person answering the phone took my information and let me know that they are looking into this and will call me once they find out more information. If you get a call from these people DO NOT GIVE THEM ANY INFORMATION. They are phishing for account information. More on the flip... "

We should recommend this Diary so more people will know about the scam.

""Friends of Kerry" can go screw themselves.
by mlk


Thu Apr 14th, 2005 at 08:21:30 PDT

Did you sign the petiton for giving uninsured kids healthcare? Well then, expect a solicitation call from "Friends of Kerry".
I just got a call from them asking me to give Kerry money. I think it is a total scam.

More on the flip...

Diaries :: mlk's diary :: :: Trackback ::

When I signed the petition, I did it in good faith, thinking it meant something. But no, it was just a way to phish for my contact information.

So this morning I get a call from "Friends of Kerry" . This very fast talking man with a lousy connection tried to get me to part with my money. He wouldn't even let me speak to either ask question s (because I didn't understand a word he said) or to say no. I finally had to shout over him to tell him that it would be a cold day in hell before I gave him money. I am not an ATM and I don't think a dime of that money will go to helping children. I donate to whomever I damn well please and one no from me should be sufficient.

So being pissed off, I called Senator Kerry's office to complain. The nice girl on the phone told me that the Senator's office had nothing to do with this. But I explained to her that Kerry must have authorized the use of his e-mail/phone list for solicitations. She directed me to call his PAC at [phone].

I called "Friends of Kerry" and of course, no one answered the phone. I got a answering machine and told them in no uncertain terms to take me off their list and to never call me again. I've had it. I'm sick and tired of feeling like an endless ATM for Kerry. Stop treating me like a schmuck. I've got better things to do with my money than to fill Kerry's 2008 coffers.

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2005/4/14/112130/617

[ginnyinWI]

1. I've gotten no calls

But then, I don't usually put my phone number on internet stuff unless I really have to! I feel that an email address ought to be enough.

[Pirate Smile]

11. I posted this in GDP now that we know it is a scam so more people

will know not to give any information out and so they wont blame Kerry.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=132&topic_id=1723846&mesg_id=1723846

I also saw this over on the Daily Kos thread.

From the comments:
"I called John Kerry's office again and they have had several calls about this. They said that this was not authorized by John Kerry and it might be a result of the Nexus Lexus security breach. I left my name and number to have someone get back to me about this and I will keep updating this diary as I get more information."

Well, so far, at least one DU'er was called and it looks like quite a few from Daily Kos.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=132&topic_id=1723846&mesg_id=1723938

[Pirate Smile]

15. It now appears it is NOT a scam. It is too late to edit the original post

[sandnsea]

2. I'll only give to Kerry

I've been called by the DNC and the state party. Other groups too. This guy is an idiot. If Dean or Clark or somebody called, he'd be praising their political savvy. Sick of this shit.

[JI7]

3. i'm sorry,b ut this looks like the intent is just to attack Kerry

especially judging from these lines


"I'm sick and tired of feeling like an endless ATM for Kerry.

I've got better things to do with my money than to fill Kerry's 2008 coffers. "

nobody forced this person to donate to anyone. even if the call had been made he could have just said he doesn't want to donate and to please not call him again.

but what's with this crap about "i'm sick and tired of feeling like an endless ATM for Kerry" ? "I've got better things to do with my money than to fill Kerry's 2008 coffers. "

[JI7]

4. just checked on Kerry site at the petition and there is no

place where they ask people for their phone numbers.

[Pirate Smile]

5. Right, I don't remember ever providing a phone number when filling

out the info.

[FreedomAngel82]

14. I haven't had any Emails either

Don't they usually send Emails with asking for donations to make online too? I remember them doing that during the election. :shrug:

[whometense]

6. No call for me either,

but the DNC harrasses me constantly by phone, even though I tell them I'll only give online.

This sounds like a scam to me. I got phone calls almost daily from Kerry people during the campaign - and not one single call since then.

[JI7]

7. or the poster has a personal thing against Kerry and doesn't want people

to sign the petition or show support for what he does.

saw the Kerry petition and it does not ask for a phone number yet this guy claims the phone call was a result of the petition.

then goes on to make some personal attacks against Kerry about how he isn't his ATM and other shit.

[whometense]

9. Yeah, I read it -

the poster is definitely one of the Kerry haters club. And is way off base on this one.

I was impressed with the way the Kerry people used their phone list - I was never called for money, only when they needed help with something or were offering a perk for volunteering. This is OT, but I was paid for my volunteer hours by getting to see Jackson Browne for free. My daughter actually got to go to a campaign commercial taping.

[TayTay]

8. Phishing scam

Later posts on DKos are establishing this.

The usual suspects jumped on Kerry for it, then cooler and more thoughtful heads prevailed.

Do not respond and hang up immediately if you get a call.

[Pirate Smile]

10. At least now the Kerry people will know the scam is going on using their

name.

[Pirate Smile]

12. I received a message from hopein08 who can't post here but wanted

to add her story.

"I got a call yesterday...the connection was bad and there was a lot of noise in the background. I didn't clearly hear who the woman identified herself as. She had a complicated pitch that included telling me that a donation of $110 would be one penny for all 11 million uninsured children. When I said no to that, she gave some pitch connected to $75, then $50, then $25, and finally $10. I didn't give in to anything. I asked if there was a website or something that I could use to donate if I got the money later. She said there was no way to donate through the website and they were trying to get all the money by the end of the month.

Does this follow what you've heard?"

hopein08

Thanks hopein08!

[sandnsea]

16. Mine was like that

I don't remember that it had anything to do with the uninsured children. I'm sure they were wanting money for something else.

But I do remember the drop-closing. And that I thought it was odd because I don't think I've ever had a campaign call drop close me like that. And keep pressuring the way the guy did. And the connection was fuzzy too.

Wish we'd get something from the PAC on this to be sure.

[kerrygoddess]

13. I got a call last week and am certain it was legit...

I'm waiting for word back on this. It's not a scam.