Telemarketers on HBO

I just got done watching the first hour long episode of Telemarketers on HBO.
It's a documentary done by one of the telemarketers that used to work for a company that raised money for "The Policeman's Benevolent Association" or related causes.

The reps got $10 an hour (This is is 2007 in the beginning ). The company kept 90 cents out of every dollar they collected.

Here is what I got out of this hour;

The boiler rooms were trash. the reps were drunk or high most of the time, and mostly ex-cons were hired....or illegal aliens.

At first, the reps insinuated they were policemen, and that the contributions (and a sticker you got in return) would prevent you from getting ticketed by the police. None of this is true of course. And the callers all tried to sound like police officers...deeper voice, more in command.

Eventually, the company owners just decided for the reps to say that they were actually the police calling, and that 100% of the money went toward a charity...all of the charities benefiting the police...or firemen. Of course, this wasn't true at all. All the money was kept by the company, and the police weren't involved at all.

They called lists of people who had previously donated so some cause. and every few weeks, they people who sent in money, were called again with a different charity...involving the police or firemen. And every call asked for an increased donation.

What was fascinating to me was that this group of social misfits and losers generated so much money every day. it proved that anyone that had a compelling appeal, could raise money over the phone if....

1) They had the right list. In this case a list of fund raising donors.... many were retired and elderly.

2) They followed a proven script. That was a real key, And the scripts were really well written....even if, in this case, they were breaking the law.

They hired ex-cons (right out of half way houses), because they needed a job for probation, would be more likely to do something sleazy like this for money, and would work under these terrible conditions.

And if the reps didn't take in enough money, they would call their parole officer (or at least threaten to) and report that they didn't show up for work. So these guys worked.

Doing any kind of drug was allowed on the premises, and in the offices...as long as the money was being made. There was prostitution, drug dealing, and more taking place there every day...all on camera.

On a personal note, we used to get a lot of these calls, and if my wife answered the phone...she gave them money. It was really hard for me to convince her that these weren't the police calling.

But once you give them money....you're on the list.

And we used to have a telemarketing office right next to our store (we shared a common entrance). Yup, the same thing. Raising money for various charities...keeping (they said) 80% of the money raised. These businesses don't last long. They keep moving, changing their names...

What kills me is that telemarketing would work just as well for a real...legitimate offer...as long as it was compelling, and the list was made up of previous buyers (or donators or subscribers)

Oh, and they had a Spanish speaking group that called immigrants...When they said they were the police calling....most gave money.

It's on HBO or MAX. There is a second hour next week as well.

It made my stomach churn.