Telemarketers

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.

As "Telemarketers" (2023 release; 3 episodes of about an hour each) opens, it is "2010" and we are introduced to Sam, a former telemarketer at Civic Development Group. Sam had worked there for seven years. We then go to "Seven Years Earlier", as young Sam (then only 14 yo), a school drop-out, is given a chance to solicit donation on behalf of charitable organizations. CDG does no background checks on anyone, and many have a criminal record. At this point we are 10 minutes into Episode 1.

Couple of comments: this documentary mini-series is co-directed by Sam Lipman-Stern (one of the man subjects of the documentary) and long-time documentarian Adam Bhala Lough. Here they dive deep into the massive grift of telemarketing groups like Civic Development Group. They prey on unsuspecting victims who donate because they believe the funds will go to a good cause, when in reality 90% of the donation goes straight into the pockets of CDG. It is absolutely surreal what we are witnessing here. Episode 1 contains a ton of archive footage as, for reasons unknown, someone decide to videotape a bunch of this stuff starting in 2003. By the end of Episode 1, I was left with the feeling that surely it can't turn worse than this, but of course with still 2 episodes to go, I'm not holding my breath. Can't wait to how all of this plays out.

Episode 1 of "Telemarketers" started streaming on Mx on August 13, 2023 and the remaining 2 episodes will be released on August 20 and 27. This mini-series has received critical acclaim, and there is good reason why it is currently rate 94% Certified Fresh on Rotten Tomatoes. If you are in the mood for a hard-hitting documentary mini-series on how telemarketers really operate, I'd readily suggest you check it out and draw your own conclusion.

UPDATE Just saw Episode 2 and as I had expected, this now goes into a vert different direction, namely how the "charity" entities like the FOB are also into the scheme, wow. Cannot wait for EP3.

One of the most shocking scams in American history exposed. While I knew about the fraternal Order of Police scam the depths of criminality are absolutely shocking.

The people behind the scam are and the governments lax approach toward protecting prosecuting them is even more disappointing.

However, it honesty and amatuer nature in which its shot that makes it even more engaging. You feel for the average man and it encompasses the shortcomings of the American legal system which punishes the poor and the drug addicted while rewarding the rich and powerful in white collar crime. It is a must watch for auto, telemarketing, and law enforcement.

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.

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.