Don't Believe Your Ears: Make-A-Wish Foundation® Does Not Telemarket to Raise Funds

Make-A-Wish Foundation of America
Monday, 1 January 2001

PHOENIX (2001) — Despite a growing number of telemarketing calls being placed to homes in the United States that appear to be from the Make-A-Wish Foundation, the charity in fact does not and never has employed telemarketers to raise money, said Paula Van Ness, president and CEO of the Make-A-Wish Foundation of America.

"We have received many calls from frustrated or confused individuals asking us why we have employed telemarketers to call them. The simple answer is, we have not, or would we," said Van Ness.

"If families receive a telemarketing call from an organization sounding like the Make-A-Wish Foundation, I want the community to know unequivocally that as a matter of policy we do not telemarket," Van Ness said. "The Make-A-Wish Foundation has a nationwide policy against telephone and door-to-door solicitation."

Telemarketing can be a legitimate way of marketing and selling products and services. However, in some instances, consumers are exposed to instances of telemarketing fraud, and they should know how to recognize and avoid them, Van Ness said.

"It is important for the public to ask questions of anyone who calls on the telephone soliciting for a cause," Van Ness said.

Knowing what the organization is about, getting clear and direct answers, and understanding some of the techniques of telephone fraud are ways for individuals to avoid confusion, and to avoid donating to an organization other than that which they intend to benefit.

The Washington, DC-based National Consumers League has formed a special department known as the Alliance Against Fraud in Telemarketing that has outlined several ways for consumers to avoid becoming victims. These precautionary measures include:

Don't allow yourself to be pushed into a hurried decision.

Always request written information, by mail, about a product, service, investment or charity, and details about the organization that is offering it.

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 information also be sent to your accountant, financial adviser, banker, or attorney for evaluation and an opinion.

Ask what recourse 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 has a bona fide need to know.

If necessary, simply hang up.

The Make-A-Wish Foundation grants the wishes of children with life-threatening illnesses to enrich the human experience with hope, strength, and joy. It is the largest wish-granting organization in the world, with 80 chapters in the United States and its territories and 22 international affiliates on five continents. Through private donations and the efforts of more than 20,000 volunteers, the Make-A-Wish Foundation has granted more than 83,000 wishes since being founded in 1980.

For more information, or to contact Make-A-Wish Foundation of America, see their website at: www.wish.org