NRA lobbying for money or a scam

[Yosemite**Sam]

I received a phone call today from a male identifying himself from the NRA. He asked me to listen to a short audio allegedly from "Wayne La Pierre" who was soliciting help in recruiting new members to fight a United Nations treaty for a global gun ban.

When the solicitor returned to the line he attempted to sell me a five year membership. I started laughing and told him he wasn't a real NRA representative. I then advised him I am a life member and he should have known so if he was truely a NRA representative. He stated that the NRA doesn't share membership information and therefore he was unaware of my membership status.

The solicitor then gave me a pitch for a donation to fight the United Nations and its upcoming gun ban treaty. The solicitor said the administration is getting ready to sign the treaty. I advised him that I never use my credit card over the phone for unsolicited transactions. I told him to mail me some paperwork and I'd be happy to make a donation. The solicitor then locked me into a specific dollar amount that I would donate and then went back to requesting a credit card number. I laughed again and advised him that we had already covered that and he wouldn't get my credit card info over the phone.

The phone call ended with another recording thanking me for helping the NRA.

What do you think?

 

[84B20]

I received a phone call today from a male identifying himself from the NRA. He asked me to listen to a short audio allegedly from "Wayne La Pierre" who was soliciting help in recruiting new members to fight a United Nations treaty for a global gun ban.

When the solicitor returned to the line he attempted to sell me a five year membership. I started laughing and told him he wasn't a real NRA representative. I then advised him I am a life member and he should have known so if he was truely a NRA representative. He stated that the NRA doesn't share membership information and therefore he was unaware of my membership status.

The solicitor then gave me a pitch for a donation to fight the United Nations and its upcoming gun ban treaty. The solicitor said the administration is getting ready to sign the treaty. I advised him that I never use my credit card over the phone for unsolicited transactions. I told him to mail me some paperwork and I'd be happy to make a donation. The solicitor then locked me into a specific dollar amount that I would donate and then went back to requesting a credit card number. I laughed again and advised him that we had already covered that and he wouldn't get my credit card info over the phone.

The phone call ended with another recording thanking me for helping the NRA.

What do you think?

I've gotten similar calls from the NRA and other organizations requesting donations and have also told them to send me the request by mail so I think the NRA has hired an outside solicitor to do the work. I have no problem with that since I have the ability to hang up or just refuse the request. I have also donated to them over the phone but I have a secret weapon. I use something from BofA that protects me from anyone but the particular organization or business from sharing my CC number. It can only be used one time for a specific amount and for a specific length of time. It is called Shop Safe. A CC number is generated online and it links to your CC but the actual CC number is never revealed to the receiving party.

 

[Pingy]

I was signed up as an NRA member twice. The first time I didn't renew because they spent probably double my membership dues mailing me stuff asking for more money. The second time I had forgotten about the first or I wouldn't have joined again.

I'm all about the 2nd Amendment, but I felt like the stuff they were sending me was just trying to scare me into giving them more money and I didn't appreciate it. I contact my elected officials at the State and National level to let them know my stance on the 2nd Amendment, proposed legislation, and all that from time to time instead of joining again because of that.

So that's my experience and what I think when the NRA solicits me for money. That's just me though, and I'll agree to disagree with anyone who disagrees with me about it.

I'm pretty sure that guy who called you was a scam. Everything I got from the NRA was paper. I had the North Carolina State Trooper Association (or something close to that) solicit money from me twice over the phone, but they actually sent paperwork when asked and never pressured me for a credit card number and did it yearly. I think any legit organization soliciting money will never hesitate to send paperwork once they know it won't be wasted postage.

 

[Murphy4570]

I also dislike how often the NRA sends unsolicited mail asking for hand-outs. Some of their mail is fairly fancy too, Lord knows how much they spend mailing all that stuff out to thousands of members....

I am also annoyed at them, as they allowed some third party to mail unsolicited DVD series to me, trying to get me to purchase the whole set or some nonsense.

I am on the fence about renewing for those reasons. If I want to donate, I will of my own accord.

 

[Sky]

When you join you can go to the web sight and op out of the junk mail.

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=617797 is a closed thread because it was "old" info in the second thread listed for back ground on the treaty. The treaty and people wanting to sign the thing is alive and well from what I have read.

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=614701 big thread on pros and cons of NRA membership. All the stuff they send is probably sent by a second party which gets a cut of the money they collect...Again opt out.

 

[84B20]

The NRA is the biggest and strongest lobbying group in Washington that defends our 2nd Amendment right. I don't care how often they contact me for donations I give what I can when I can and tell them so. They are not offended by my refusal and I am not offended by their solicitation methods. I am a life member and will stay that way. As it has been said before, they are the biggest gorilla in the room, or words to that effect. Please guys, get over it.

 

[Yosemite**Sam]

Oh, I'm over it. Like I said, this call seemed very suspicious in nature as if it was a scam. I'm a life member, actually a Patron member and I've donated many times to the NRA.

 

[84B20]

Oh, I'm over it. Like I said, this call seemed very suspicious in nature as if it was a scam. I'm a life member, actually a Patron member and I've donated many times to the NRA.

My admonition wasn't directed toward you but to those that continually berate the NRA for their solicitation policies. People tend to forget to support any group if they aren't reminded to do so. I for one appreciate their effort in Washington and do what I can to support them.

 

[Ringolevio]

Here's what ticks me off about the NRA

Yes, I'm a member. And Yes, I appreciate their efforts on behalf of preserving the RKBA.

But they never stop asking for money. And their solicitations are almost always couched as some "survey" they're taking, which always ends with asking for more money.

But what ticks me off even more is this:
They'll pose a question like "My purpose in owning guns is:"
And then there'll be multiple choice answers, like
a) Hunting
b) Target shooting or other shooting sports
c) Collecting
d) Protecting my home/family/business

But what is conspicuously absent is what I consider the prime reason for being a gunowner:
"Because it is my responsibility and duty as an American citizen to own a gun and to be competent in its use (as a means to deter government tyranny)."

 

[Bonesinium]

Whether it was legitimate or not, it sounds sketch and I would have done exactly as you did. There are in fact a number of phone scams out there that are just like this. Better safe then sorry.

 

[Mike1234567]

I don't know about the NRA but... I've been receiving emails daily from organizations soliciting funds to fight for or against certain issues that people feel very passionate about. I've read most of them but am about to unsubscribe because they always ask for money. It's not that I won't send funds to a good cause but these (not NRA) seem to only be interested in raising cash. I learned a long time ago not to trust such solicitations.

 

[Sav .250]

Some don`t like the methods the NRA takes to get money and some don`t care.. but as long as your a member , all is good. To some degree at least.

 

[Legionnaire]

NRA uses the methods it does to raise money because (drum roll) ... they work! I hate junk mail. But I work for a non-profit organization that has to raise money annually. Some of the most effective mailers, measured in terms of response rate and funds raised, are things that I wouldn't look at twice. And when the stats show that we have gone beyond the point of diminishing returns with a particular mailing program, we change it. The NRA solicits a lot more people than we do, so they get to use more accurate statistical analysis of return rates, and they do a good job raising money.

All that said, my wife and I are life members of the NRA, we donate occasionally, and we've opted out of all the junk mail except the magazines. No point in complaining about the solicitations; to the contrary, be glad they work!

 

[hso]

I thank them and tell them I'll donate through the NRA or ILA website.

 

[JohnBT]

And dues cannot be used for lobbying and politics and such. Why? Federal law.

They have to ask for money and it works, or they wouldn't keep doing it.

I'm sorry so many are offended so easily by such little annoyances as phone calls and junk mail.

John
NRA Patron

 

[g.willikers]

Pretty sure that this treaty, or any other, has to pass the Senate.
The administration signing it is just the first step.
While it's a nasty business that needs to be stopped, it's not exactly the emergency that the fund raisers are saying.
The results of the next election will tell us how dangerous this treaty is.
And, of course, we will be getting requests for donations for the elections, too.

 

[84B20]

And dues cannot be used for lobbying and politics and such. Why? Federal law.

They have to ask for money and it works, or they wouldn't keep doing it.

I'm sorry so many are offended so easily by such little annoyances as phone calls and junk mail.

John
NRA Patron

Amen to that! I don't know why so many firearm enthusiasts that theoretically could withstand an assault by some thug on the street can't put up with a few phone calls or emails.

 

[Sky]

Latest I received in my spam folder:
AN URGENT MESSAGE FROM CHRIS W. COX
Executive Director, NRA Institute for Legislative Action

I hope you've had time to read my recent letter concerning the critical legal battles that NRA-ILA is now fighting in courtrooms across America.
But if you haven't had time to respond, I need your help right now.
NRA-ILA is now facing a series of courtroom battles that are going to have a huge impact on you and future generations of gun owners -- for better or for worse.
As you know, the United States Supreme Court ruled in District of Columbia v. Heller in 2008 and again in McDonald v. Chicago in 2010 that the Constitution does indeed guarantee a fundamental, individual Right to Keep and Bear Arms.
But now, gun-banners are claiming that they can all but ignore these Supreme Court decisions -- by imposing massive restrictions making it virtually impossible for average Americans to own guns. These restrictions include registration, licensing, enormous fees, mandatory government "training" and more, all designed to effectively ban firearms ownership despite the Supreme Court's recent decisions.
Now, NRA-ILA is engaged in critical new legal battles to determine whether these restrictions will be allowed to stand. And these are battles we simply can't afford to lose.
Victories in these upcoming court cases could all but assure that you can own and use firearms for the rest of your life without fear of excessive government restrictions.
But if we lose these cases, city and state governments along with the U.S. Congress will have a green light to impose virtually any form of gun control short of a total ban -- and we're going to have the threat of harsh new gun control laws hanging directly over our heads for generations to come.
That's why I asked in my letter for your special support for our legal program.
If you've already sent a gift, please accept my very sincere thanks for your generosity and for making your personal mark on these upcoming courtroom battles.
But if you haven't yet responded, I'd be grateful if you could make a contribution now, in the amount of $20, $30, $50 or any other amount you can afford.
Very soon, the courts must decide for the first time whether government officials should be allowed to strip citizens of their gun rights through red tape, impossible regulations, and huge new taxes. These current legal battles will have a permanent impact on our freedoms, not just in a few cities but nationwide.
In short, the entire future of our Second Amendment rights is at risk right now. Just one bad court decision could do more damage to our rights than a dozen legislative defeats.
Only with your continued support can we face these legal challenges and WIN.
So please, take time right now to make a special contribution today. Your gift in any amount, large or small, can have a huge impact on the outcome of these court battles and the future of our Second Amendment rights.
Thank you in advance for your generous support!
Chris W. Cox
Executive Director

 

[Sear of the future]

Just received DVD mailer (3/3/2012)

I strongly admire the NRA, and I believe that earnest criticism helps the NRA become better and stronger. Below is the email I sent to NRA membership ([email protected]). Naturally, you won't all agree with me!

Subject: Offensive DVD mailer

Dear NRA,
I received the recent "PDN" DVD mailer from you. Capitalism is good.
Funding the NRA's fantastic work improving legislation is good,
Sending something to your members which obligates them to take action
on their part in order to avoid being charged is morally
reprehensible. The NRA loses *all* it's moral high ground when it
participates in a scam such as this. Don't try to smooth this over
with justifications, this is low -- it is one hair away from outright
theft. You are blatantly attempting to make your well meaning members
feel trapped, and trick them out of their money. If they claim to
have any morals whatsoever, everyone who works at the NRA should be
terribly ashamed about mailers like this. Do you truly care about the
(amazing) work that the NRA does, or is it merely about cynical self
preservation? Because cynical self preservation is the message you
are sending with such a repulsive, underhanded, scam-artist like
action as this recent mailer. Whether my lifetime membership is paid
up or not, if I see much more of these low-life, morally bankrupt
mailers in the future, I will cancel my membership out of principle.
I don't care how unpopular it makes me with my pro-gun friends, I will
cancel my membership, and I will tell them why; and whenever I see an
NRA table at a gunshow or event, I will go up and tell them, also.
NRA, come on, have some morals. Look at yourself. Your need for self
promotion has lead you away from good morals and common sense.

The NRA -- an organization that portends to promote freedom, liberty,
and live and let live, is blackmailing their own members -- "Either
you send this back to us or you owe us, buddy!". What kind of message
does that send? Do I want to wear or stick on my car any NRA logos or
promotion, if I will be identified with this scummy behavior? I want
to identify myself with an NRA that I can feel proud about, not
ashamed of.

If you want your rolls to atrophy until your only remaining members
are idiots, keep on sending out mailers like this.

Please read me clearly, I still want to receive important mailings,
magazine service, and membership renewal notices; but I want you to
stop sending merchandise to any and all of your members that obligates
them to take action in order to avoid being charged.

Thank you for your time,

[member name and number, here]

 

[Sear of the future]

P.S. To clarify

I don't mind multiple solicitations; I object to obligation -- entrapment, if you will.

 

[JohnBT]

Idiots? Morally bankrupt? No paragraph breaks? I tried to read it all. There is a lot of anger there. It would have been easier to read the FAQ at the NRA site.

www.hwsportsman.net/NRA-FAQ.html

Q: How can I reduce the amount of mail I receive from the NRA?

A: Simply email us at [email protected] or dial 800-NRA-3888 and request to be placed on the "Do Not Promote" list. This will significantly reduce the amount of mail you receive without affecting important mailings, magazine service, or your membership renewal.

 

[PRM]

Yep - they do a lot for gun owners and the 2nd Amendment.

Yep - I support them in their efforts.

As far as being asked for money... I get the feeling some folks have never belonged to anything. The Alumni Association from the University I graduated from are always seeking contributions. Same with just about every fraternal and professional organization I have ever been a member of. If you don't want to support something then decline. Its up to you whether the benefits are worth your membership, time, effort, and yes, money.

I'm an NRA Life Member and have never regretted it.

 

[Redlg155]

Why does the NRA still have to solicit? In part due to life membership status, especially so when life memberships were less expensive. I went ahead and renewed mine to a Life membership, and due to being a disabled vet, $375 on the payment plan. Once paid, I get a lifetimes worth of magazines and other benefits without having to flip in another dime.

I wonder how many thousands of lifetime memberships were sold so they could reap a fast buck.

 

[FROGO207]

As stated above the opt out option is the best thing to happen IMHO. IF I have the extra cash on hand I donate to the NRA. If not I get zero of anything from them and if I am curious about any program/offers or anything else I go on line and look it up when I want to. This option also saves them a lot of money in postage and printing expenses that would otherwise get trashed anyway. IMHO anyone that values RKBA SHOULD be a member. Anyone else found a BETTER RKBA lobby? I will join that also as I have some other lesser known ones. Your sounded somewhat fishy IMHO. Always get it in writing before donating.

 

[Safetychain]

I dropped my first membership due to poor financial conditions and their solicitations. I was particularly ticked off about the unrequested dvd/coin mailings. The first packages were returned unopened with a request to stop mailing them to me. Then learned that , if not requested then you were not obligated to send them back. Received about a dozen before not reupping my membership and at least another dozen after my membership had expired. They are still in a box somewhere in my garage. Since my new membership has been started about 4 months ago, I haven't received anything except my membership package in the snail mail. There is a lot of email traffic from them which is easy to stop if I cared to and doesn't cost them anything.