Donations Over Phone

Two years ago I was telephone solicited by the RCMP for money for some event (I forget what it was!). They would take credit cards for your donation. (How else are they going to do it over the phone, except to send you a form, which was not an option).

Today a friend asked me if I had been called by the RCMP asking for a donation of either $35.00 or $45.00. When she said she could not do this, they asked her if she could handle a $25.00 donation!! (Again, I did not ask her what they were soliciting for.)

I realize that the RCMP contract out these solicitations, but who are the first people that tell you to NEVER give your credit card number over the phone.

I did phone the RCMP two years ago to see if this was a legitimate fundraiser, which it was. I mentioned to the girl who answered the phone that, of all organizations, the RCMP should not be asking for credit card numbers over the telephone. She agreed but obviously that is as far as it went.

I would suggest that whoever with the RCMP that looks after this type of thing, have this contracted out to people who will come to your door and give you an official receipt. I certainly am not going to give my credit card to anyone soliciting over the telephone.

This letter is basically because I do not know who to contact with the RCMP. (maybe Tim Horton's, although I doubt they want to talk business during their well deserved coffee breaks.) I do not hesitate when someone comes to my door for money if they have official receipts and documents. I am wondering if others are donating over the telephone.

L.W.