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Wednesday, November 25, 2009

Scam or Confusion?

Okay, so we're sitting here having dinner one night and the phone rings. We have caller ID and so if we don't know the name or number, we let the answering machine get it. It was a California call and we did not recognize it so we let the machine have at it.

This woman starts talking about looking for some relatives of someone who she has some possessions of and she's been researching and researching and if we knew of this person (who is now deceased) could we please contact her so that their belongings could go to their rightful family. Well, I convinced Frank to answer the phone and talk to this woman because it was just too odd not to! So he talks to her for like ten minutes and agrees that he will speak to his parents and IF we are related we will get back to her. Long story short, we're not. End of story.

Or is it?

Today I come home to find a FedEx envelope by my front door. So I open it and in it is two DVD's plus a letter from this woman telling us that we ARE related to this deceased person and as such she is mailing us FIVE BOXES of ... get this...
SCIENTOLOGY books, CD's and transcripts! But wait, that's not all...she encourages US to start using the program ourselves!! I mean REALLY?? Now, I believe I have mentioned this before, but I am a Christian. I got to a Baptist church. I was actually raised Catholic but now go to a Baptist church where I am very, very happy.

So I call this woman (because all of her contact information is on this very businesslike letter on Scientology stationary) and I get her secretary. I'm told that this woman is not available and to call back later. Luckily I have unlimited long distance calling otherwise I'd really be ticked off at having to field this expense! I call back later and got the woman I needed to on the phone and explained to her that we are of NO relation to the deceased and do NOT want these boxes. Her response? "I had it on very good authority that you were related." A statement that she repeated THREE TIMES.

I have a feeling that these boxes are going to show up here anyway and if they do? They will go directly in to my trunk and take a very quick drive to the local Goodwill. So is there really confusion on who this guy was related to or is Scientology just looking for a way to get their stuff out there? Is Tom Cruise (who I DESPISE, btw) going to come-a-calling?

I hope not...

*Today's Examiner.com article is on The Woodcock-Johnson standardized test. You can read it HERE. Thanks!*

10 comments:

Chubskulit Rose said...

that's weird huh?

happy thanksgiving!

sheilasultani said...

You need to refuse the packages so they go right back were they came from. If your fedex usually leaves packages at your door without a signature you need to write a note to them and stick it on your door.

If I were you I would also contact fedex and give them that womans information - she mught be pulling this scam all over the place.

Unlikely Oilfield Wife said...

Wow. So this is where the Scientology church is going now. Ridiculous, and very creepy! Personally, I wouldn't even bring it to the Goodwill. If there is a local Scientology church in your area, I'd bring it right back to them. I'm not one to criticize another church. I'm a christian, a Catholic, and I know that I believe some crazy stuff, but with Scientology, they want so much money for their "crazy". And the tactic they are using on ya'll is despicable. I hope they stop bothering you guys!

A Lil Enchanted said...

That is very strange.... I think I would ask her exactly how you are related the person... and if you really don't want the stuff just put it in the trash... or take to a local Scientology church.

A Lil Enchanted,
~LaShan~

jenn said...

Talk about pushy! I would mark every box "return to sender".

Frugal Vicki said...

That is too weird. Awful pushy if they are just trying to get their stuff out. I would have asked how the authority was, and when she refused, because I am sure she would, I may just be silly enough to go about investigating her.

A.Marie said...

Very Very scammy, if you ask me. This is a new low for this "church," and if I was you, I'd refuse any and all packages and do what somebody else here mentioned. Mark it "Return to Sender" but write it in BRIGHT RED! Then take a yellow highlighter and color in the words. Then take BRIGHT PURPLE and write SCAM all over the box.

I know. I am a spiteful person! LOL

Nani said...

If you end up with it and can't return to sender -Don't give the cult items to the Goodwill- throw them away - you dont want to help lead someone away from the Lord - If you end up w/other stuff- clothes etc give that to the Goodwill- very weird - never heard of that before and I am from LA - worked right around the corner at my church from that cult institution - they must be hard up for recruits-

Beth said...

Ugh. If you can't refuse the packages, bypass Goodwill and go directly to the dump on Hwy 98. This has SCAM written all over it... even if you WERE related to the person, you are under no obligation to accept items that you do not want!

Becki said...

How annoying! I'd refuse it too...