Telemarketers

Like the negative reviews have stated, there are a lot of straight up scumbags interviewed, and maybe it's not as polished and focused as a professional documentary, but it is certainly succeeds at what it sets out to do, which is expose the industry that takes advantage of vulnerable and/or naive Americans to the tone of billions every year. It was really cool to see how CDG evolved, and the footage was complimented by the frank, unscripted interviews they did with the various former employees.

I actually found the approach this documentary takes really entertaining, and I developed a sincere admiration for Pat for his dedication and tenacity. Sure he's not a seasoned journalistic pro, but you could tell he was super passionate about the project, and it showed in the end result. Good stuff, and I actually learned a few things and had many suspicions confirmed about how the industry works.

Two men (Patrick and Sam), dealing with substance addiction along with many others working at sleazy telemarketing company, decide to document the pressure of sales and the insanity of ever-changing fundraising scripts. Soon, they see how bad their company CDG and Fraternal Orders of Police profit from scamming money for fake charities. (The money you are donating are not going to disabled officers widow/grieving families, or needy children. They are filling the pockets of these union leaders, and the owners of telemarketing companies. You should see the houses and cars they bought.) And if the telemarketers are not selling enough, they will be let go of possibly the only job they can work at because who else would accept their criminal background.

This documentary is what you get. It starts quick film clips of Sam and Pat and other employees goofing off, doing drugs while sounding like angels on their shifts. But along the way, Pat, the one known as the Legend educates Sam on the dirty truth behind these phone requests. These two eager amateurs wanted to throw it out there for people to see how they are being blinded by agreeing to donate money for what "sounds" like an official police campaign. Very slow development, as some years pass by; Sam tries to enlist Pat for new interviews, but Pat ran off with no contact information. It was a little nerve wracking as their investigation could not be continued. If you do watch the show, be sure to watch Pat do interviews!

I think the two did a fantastic job despite their limitations in journaling experience. I hope they can find more heroes to help shoulder the burden. Their parents and their spouses were amazingly supportive with little tips of advice, here and there. Thank you Ann Ravel, Sarah Kleiner for her enthusiasm. Reverend James and his no holds barred. "They should go to jail." A true David and Goliath story. Hopefully this documentary will save others from losing their life savings. Because now I guess the telemarketer companies are now utilizing their former employees' recorded voices as robocallers. There is always a ways around to take money off of a victim.

Patrick J. Pespas and Samuel Lipman Stern for President 2024!

Senator Blumenthal - you're an embarrassment. You are part of the problem.

(Surely we can defund the police, if they're getting all these million dollar donations. The disabled policemen or the families of fallen officers have not seen that money).

The police fraternal orders will not admit to stealing money for their own purposes like entertainment, cruises, fancy cars. Why do the police force threaten us or manipulate us to give money, if it is their job to protect us. (Have you heard the aggressive selling techniques? Especially the one guy who was hired even after he committed murder?)

Message: Do Not Donate to what sounds like a police or fraternal organization. That money will most likely be used for travel expenses to some party. And all you have left to show for it, is an easily printed decal for your window.

I'll give this short, 3-episode series props for ensuring I, not anyone I know, EVER donates anything to anyone who calls for a donation.

While this series seems to largely focus on police and fire institutions, I'm sure it's not much different when compared to ANY organization that utilizes telemarketing for "donations".

As a series.. it was compelling for all 3 episodes.

The only issue I had was how it ends.. in a puff of smoke, like it never existed.

But I suppose that's more due to the unsavory organizations having the money and power to control the government (which is really what the US Congress is built upon). All ya need to do is pay lobbyists and you can do the most unethical things to the rest of the population.

Make no mistake.. the government COULD stop this.. if they cared one iota.

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Sidebar.. I can't help but think if Phil dressed better, did NOT wear a hat, and took the damn sunglasses OFF for interviews he may have been taken more seriously. Read the room, as it were.

Had little idea how the telemarketing industry was ran. Probably my not all like this shows, but just WOW!

After watching just the first episode last night, I am really looking forward to the next two.

It will make you angry to find out that very little is dome by the government to shut these boiler room scammers down. They get a slap on the wrist and a fine and continue on with taking/conning money out of people who can't afford to give, but because they have a soft heart and think they are actually helping someone in their community, they give over and over.

I also didn't realize that they are operating all over America and not in some foreign country.

How are more people not talking about this ? I can see why Danny McBride and the infamous Safde Bros picked this story up.. Such a interesting first episode and amazing characters . Pat seems like a legend that I want to meet. I am dying to see the next episode . I still get calls from these companies on the daily and it's crazy to know where it all started. CDG. These guys that started it are actually on par with Apple except just a huge scam comparable to cutco knives and. Or pyramid schemes. Your literally paying thousands of dollars for a sticker what a joke but also a brilliant scheme because people get worried when someone calls them and says the word police. Brilliant characters brilliant show so far.