Anyone know if this automated call from the Kerry campaign is legit?

My friend just got this call and she isn't sure it is legit. The Kerry people in Chicago and DC aren't able to verify it for me until tomorrow.

Here's what she said:

I just had a call that said it was John Kerry. It said press 1 if you will donate, 2 if you will work or do more, and 3 if you plan to vote fro John Kerry. Then it asked for my email. (was this a legitimate call??) I did not give my email. It was a machine because it went on talking when I said, "We're already on your list."
I didn't appreciate the call and I think others may not either. Right at dinner time also. Do you know if it really was his campaign??

Anyone else getting these calls? I know automated calls are part of every campaign but I have yet to hear one that asks for personal info, like an e-mail address, and will let you donate money.

The Kerry campaign is setting up phone banks here in Los Angeles for volunteers to field incoming calls that result from this.

If you press one or two you actually get to speak to a person?

See, automated telemarketing calls are illegal in Wisconsin for every org except charities and political committees. Charities rarely stoop to it because they like to leave a better impression. So 90% of the time these kinds of calls are fly-by-night frauds trying to get money from nice little old ladies.

This kind of thing won't win friends and influence people here. Especially when they call during the dinner hour.

...by indicating that they want to donate or volunteer are transferred to a real person who fields the call.

At least that's my understanding. I've not worked the phones, so my knowledge is spotty.

I forwarded a link to this page to the staffer organizing the phone banks so he could see your comments, as I thought they would be valuable feedback.

I'm on the voice mail of campaign staff in charge of fundraising in DC. When he calls me back tomorrow, I'll explain the situation to him as well.

Thanks for the help. I'll pass it on.

n/t

and I ended up pushing a button that said I'd donate on-line, latter. I have the sense that if you wanted to have somebody call you back in person, that would happen.

I was surprised that I actually did NOT find the call offensive - probably because I got to make many choices in a short period of time.

It could be a con artist, perhaps not even in this country, looking to get your credit card information and rob you blind. :shrug:

I never give any info to companies calling me-EVER-for that very reason. They can say they are with the Kerry campaign, or some other legit org but you have no way of knowing with any certainty. If I were the criminal type looking for credit card numbers, I'd be calling around claiming to be a legit org asking for donations.

I've already advised my friend that she can make a donation online.