PJP is a star in his own right. His sunny disposition in the face of addiction is an ultimate guide to rolling with the punches of life and makes for a brilliant sub-plot to this whistle-blowing attempt. You can't help but love the guy. I thoroughly enjoyed this docuseries. It's pretty inspiring to see two relatively average guys dedicate so much time and effort into one mission and to remain friends for so long that they are able to complete the journey together. Even if they did not exactly arrive at the outcome that they had desired, the outcome obviously brings the type of attention necessary for a widespread audience to get the message. Well done gentleman.
36 Reviews
Wow.. just wowww
pdean-4913217 August 2023
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.
Not the ending you want
ybkyhyw29 August 2023
Warning: Spoilers
I think this doc mini series brings to light something everyone is familiar with, and it dose it from the inside out. As much as you want a complete conclusion and a silver lining there never ends up being one. Telemarketers dose a fantastic job in the first 2 episodes bringing you through the world of telemarketing and in episode 3 you see it's corrupted core. I liked this docu series a lot I guess I was just hoping for a better outcome but with this doc being made it dose bring to light a lot of things we as viewers have overlooked. I hope with this being made it brings the scammy world of telemarketing to light.
Interesting.. but withers....
NullUnit3 September 2023
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.
------------------
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.
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.
------------------
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.
I am HOOKED!!
cscott233115 August 2023
Holy crap this is some interesting stuff. From the very first line to the end of the first episode I was hanging on every word! Pat is absolutely hilarious! I think what has drawn me to this is how human it all is and extremely dysfunctional. The people in these telemarketing centers are just absolutely entertaining I don't really know any other way to put it. The fact that these guys started making a documentary or investigating telemarketers almost 20 years ago is amazing! I for one am glad they stuck with it, I cannot wait to see what all they uncover and where this goes. And I will say in all honesty, I had a fraternal order police sticker on my car year after year after year hahahahha. So they absolutely got me! Truthfully I never thought about Fraternal Order of Police being a scam. I knew others were but I did trusted this. Because they said they were the actual police, so yeah I believed it! What scumbags! Living the highlife while others scrounge just in order to help families of fallen officers! You're a special kind of as$hole to come up with this! I haven't donated to anything in a very long time and I never answer my cell phone if I don't know who's calling. I ended up getting a different cell and number for my business, and I don't know who had that number before me but I get multiple text messages almost daily from people trying to scam, usually offering money and/or loans. So telemarketing just has a new look. Same scam, just not on a landline! There's 2 more episodes so I'll come change my review if need be. But so far, yeah this is very informative.
Exposing how easy it is to grift non-suspecting donors
paul-allaer19 August 2023
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.
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.
Raw and Eye-opening
kaideneve1 September 2023
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.
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.
A lot of potential
VH1jesse28 August 2023
Warning: Spoilers
As much as I liked pat in the beginning, I'm not sure if he was the best person to be the lead interviewer on this project. It felt as though they could've gotten more information from everyone they talked to if they had a more professional and seasoned interviewer at least guiding pat through these interviews. It felt like no one really took him seriously and he wasn't asking them the right questions in the right way. I thought his story throughout the documentary was an interesting addition and in the beginning he was funny. But if they just randomly checked in on him periodically like the other former workers I feel like it would've been a better move for the doc. Seeing him run around and try to talk to all of these people in an oversized blazer and a cowboy hat just became sad for me. He wouldn't even take off his sunglasses in certain situations. And when they finally got the senator interview pat just talked at him. Didn't use the time to ask any questions and then started making demands. Pretty clear the senator had no clue what he signed up for and got out of there as soon as possible. Didn't even seem like he was uncomfortable with the topic of conversation just pat. I guess they brought more light to the telemarketing situation but I can't help but feel like they could've made a bigger impact and uncovered more information if they had someone professional handling the interviews.
Can I have a ticket to the police charity ball? "No ma'am, police don't have balls."
Kepart15 September 2023
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.
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.
Above Average
coles_notes28 August 2023
Over a decade in the making, Telemarketers follows the scams behind the telemarketing industry, specifically the scandal of the Civic Development Group and those like it still operating into today, taking donations on behalf of veterans, local police, and politicians, but donating very little if any to the actual causes. Exposing the chaotic working conditions of these groups, and the disgusting practices to coerce those into donating. Built originally from early 2000s footage filmed by a former employee Sam Lipman-Stern, a former telemarketer at CDG, Danny McBride eventually funded its creation into a three part documentary for HBO. Joined by a troubled ex-coworker Pat Pespas, they seek to re-open investigations into these groups and whistleblow the horrible operations underneath. Compelling throughout, and shown through an extremely raw lens, I quite liked how authentic the series felt. However once they introduce Pat as a main character, as the series itself suggests, things begin to fall apart as he struggles during interviews, and his unhinged behaviour hurts more than it helps. All said, the story of these money making companies is so compelling, if not horrifying, and I'm glad to see the footage and story come to light, even if its a bit disorganized and fizzles towards the end. I hope it can see some funding for a follow up fronted by Sam himself, perhaps with a more targeted approach, I would certainly watch that.
A eye-opening documentary about a scam industry...
julianmarku28 August 2023
First of all PJP is a fantastic charming guy. He was dealt a bad hand but he made the best of it! He is so charming and passionate. Doing documentaries, being a spokesman is something that he has talent in, he is just lacking that upper-class training that most elite get.
Sam and Pat did a great freelance documentary! This is what real freelance journalism is, this is probably the best that it can be. And I was so exited to see you guys do your work.
The investigation was very interesting and I could feel it piecing together. It is one of those situations where you kind of need to be much more awareness to the public. It is in their interest to avoid giving them the donations.
In poorer countries we have something similar on much smaller scale: the begger scheme, where people give money to beggers thinking that they are helping a poor homeless person. In reality most of them are like a network that travel city to city and collect money for some kind of mafia boss. It is basically the same type of crime.
Anyway, I hope you guys made some money from this. I hope PJP and Sam might work on something more. Maybe I don't know, start a YT channel and review stuff they know and love.
Sam and Pat did a great freelance documentary! This is what real freelance journalism is, this is probably the best that it can be. And I was so exited to see you guys do your work.
The investigation was very interesting and I could feel it piecing together. It is one of those situations where you kind of need to be much more awareness to the public. It is in their interest to avoid giving them the donations.
In poorer countries we have something similar on much smaller scale: the begger scheme, where people give money to beggers thinking that they are helping a poor homeless person. In reality most of them are like a network that travel city to city and collect money for some kind of mafia boss. It is basically the same type of crime.
Anyway, I hope you guys made some money from this. I hope PJP and Sam might work on something more. Maybe I don't know, start a YT channel and review stuff they know and love.
Fun While It Lasted (for 1 ep)
benembry-662868 September 2023
Warning: Spoilers
Heard good things about this one from multiple people. In ep 1 when Pat snorts heroin I thought we were in for something special. Surely a debaucherous romp. American Pie mixed with Office Space set in real life perhaps. Turned out that, like heroin, the doc's highs were fleeting. By ep 2 it slows way down and is subsumed by a crusade by our lovable protagonist, Patrick J. Pespas. "Oh great, another self-serious documentary shedding light on a previously unknown evil", I thought.
Don't get me wrong, these telemarketing companies are greasy and twisted. And I was surprised and intrigued when it was revealed the charities are equally loathsome. I just feel like the promise of a good old fashioned comedy was squandered here.
Anyways, 7 stars.
Don't get me wrong, these telemarketing companies are greasy and twisted. And I was surprised and intrigued when it was revealed the charities are equally loathsome. I just feel like the promise of a good old fashioned comedy was squandered here.
Anyways, 7 stars.
Watch it till the end so you know how it ends.
clk264-649-71646329 August 2023
Warning: Spoilers
"Telemarketers" starts out really strong about a young man, (Sam Lipman-Stern) with a troubled lifestyle who finds solace in a telemarketing company, Civic Development Group (CDG).
The company mainly employs people who have been in and out of jail, drug addicts, and people that can't get jobs anywhere else. They are raising money for the police, so everything sounds pretty unusual, but, heartwarming.
However. After doing some light, digging, we discover that zero amount of the money being raised is actually going to the police department. Which, unravels a series of events, peeling back the onion of this corrupt company pocketing money from lying to little old ladies to fuel the higher ups lifestyle. So the Director grabs his drug addled former coworker (Patrick Pespas, who starts out as likable and then gets annoying. The doc leads you to believe he is dead, but viola!), who raised a lot of money for this organization, to go on a manhunt across the country, to expose the truth. Think of "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas" meets "Roger & Me."
Did you lose interest? Because I sure did about halfway through the second episode. At that point I realized (after and interviewee lights a joint) we were watching the ramblings of folks who, likely inebriated, felt bad about what they had done in their younger lives and this documentary is redemption.
We are left with no conclusion, and, Pespas feels better about himself, the doc ends.
Personally, I say to watch it to the end that way you actually know that there is no conclusion and it just ends.
The company mainly employs people who have been in and out of jail, drug addicts, and people that can't get jobs anywhere else. They are raising money for the police, so everything sounds pretty unusual, but, heartwarming.
However. After doing some light, digging, we discover that zero amount of the money being raised is actually going to the police department. Which, unravels a series of events, peeling back the onion of this corrupt company pocketing money from lying to little old ladies to fuel the higher ups lifestyle. So the Director grabs his drug addled former coworker (Patrick Pespas, who starts out as likable and then gets annoying. The doc leads you to believe he is dead, but viola!), who raised a lot of money for this organization, to go on a manhunt across the country, to expose the truth. Think of "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas" meets "Roger & Me."
Did you lose interest? Because I sure did about halfway through the second episode. At that point I realized (after and interviewee lights a joint) we were watching the ramblings of folks who, likely inebriated, felt bad about what they had done in their younger lives and this documentary is redemption.
We are left with no conclusion, and, Pespas feels better about himself, the doc ends.
Personally, I say to watch it to the end that way you actually know that there is no conclusion and it just ends.
Had To Review....
helenahandbasket-9373414 September 2023
Due to insane amounts of negative/low reviews, I felt it necessary to offer up some positive words for what we felt was an overall well-done production.
Yes, it was a little laborious- could have been 1, maybe 2 episodes. Lots of nonsense shoved in that added nothing to the telling, but still an overall good story with lots of exposition and good dialogue.
While I genuinely felt for Pat, and more importantly, his wife, his incredible lack of awareness and dubious ignorance at the inner workings on politics is suspicious, at best. Especially coming from a background in heavy drug use and his wife suffering the effects of cancer/treatments, it would have been somewhat appropriate to form a cognitive realization that government = exploitative, unhelpful, bloviating nonsense. The hardest to stomach was the elevated and downright heroic portrayal of Richard 'Stolen Valor' Blumenthal. This creature that is far too comfortable in DC exemplifies precisely what the government machinery represents; addled, aged, and completely incompetent representatives that have nothing but their own interests at heart. Before you go accusing me of insane one-sideism, I do believe they're just two sides of the same coin. I do rather appreciate a tiny handful who've entered politics for the right reasons- JD Vance is an excellent example of someone trying desperately to make a difference, but with so many trying so desperately to turn this country into one of the haves and havenots, he's likely to either wither on the vine or become the antithesis of what he set out to do.
Either way, what this series does is exposes the utter corruption within government- from despicable unions/union reps, to bureaucracy malfeasance, to upper echelons of government that are only there to make excuses for the government that increases their stock portfolio while laughing as the people suffer under their weight, and shine a light on the gross mismanagement of monies good people place in the hands of these monsters only to transfer it into the pockets of those who have no incentive to place that money where it belongs.
If there's one thing lacking, I sincerely wish there had been mention of what we, as citizens, can do to bring this to an end, or at least keep our loved ones from becoming victims- things like two signature requirements on savings/checking accounts (so there's no large withdrawals without notifying both parties) talking with those who are becoming senile or lack the cognitive ability to discern what is a scam so they're less likely to become victims, talk with them a few times a week so they're not so lonely and willing to hand over fistfuls of money because these scamming fraudsters pretend to take an interest in their lives. There's many ways to keep from becoming a victim, the first of which is to NEVER answer the phone of a number you don't know. If it's an emergency they'll leave a message, and then cross reference that message with someone who can help you.
In this age of technology literally at your fingertips, there's absolutely no reason to ever become a victim of a scam. Trust but verify, be skeptical of everything, and listen to the details. If all else fails have a loved on or even a neighbor who will hell you decipher what is likely a scam.
Yes, it was a little laborious- could have been 1, maybe 2 episodes. Lots of nonsense shoved in that added nothing to the telling, but still an overall good story with lots of exposition and good dialogue.
While I genuinely felt for Pat, and more importantly, his wife, his incredible lack of awareness and dubious ignorance at the inner workings on politics is suspicious, at best. Especially coming from a background in heavy drug use and his wife suffering the effects of cancer/treatments, it would have been somewhat appropriate to form a cognitive realization that government = exploitative, unhelpful, bloviating nonsense. The hardest to stomach was the elevated and downright heroic portrayal of Richard 'Stolen Valor' Blumenthal. This creature that is far too comfortable in DC exemplifies precisely what the government machinery represents; addled, aged, and completely incompetent representatives that have nothing but their own interests at heart. Before you go accusing me of insane one-sideism, I do believe they're just two sides of the same coin. I do rather appreciate a tiny handful who've entered politics for the right reasons- JD Vance is an excellent example of someone trying desperately to make a difference, but with so many trying so desperately to turn this country into one of the haves and havenots, he's likely to either wither on the vine or become the antithesis of what he set out to do.
Either way, what this series does is exposes the utter corruption within government- from despicable unions/union reps, to bureaucracy malfeasance, to upper echelons of government that are only there to make excuses for the government that increases their stock portfolio while laughing as the people suffer under their weight, and shine a light on the gross mismanagement of monies good people place in the hands of these monsters only to transfer it into the pockets of those who have no incentive to place that money where it belongs.
If there's one thing lacking, I sincerely wish there had been mention of what we, as citizens, can do to bring this to an end, or at least keep our loved ones from becoming victims- things like two signature requirements on savings/checking accounts (so there's no large withdrawals without notifying both parties) talking with those who are becoming senile or lack the cognitive ability to discern what is a scam so they're less likely to become victims, talk with them a few times a week so they're not so lonely and willing to hand over fistfuls of money because these scamming fraudsters pretend to take an interest in their lives. There's many ways to keep from becoming a victim, the first of which is to NEVER answer the phone of a number you don't know. If it's an emergency they'll leave a message, and then cross reference that message with someone who can help you.
In this age of technology literally at your fingertips, there's absolutely no reason to ever become a victim of a scam. Trust but verify, be skeptical of everything, and listen to the details. If all else fails have a loved on or even a neighbor who will hell you decipher what is likely a scam.
Eye Opening- Auto Industry Must Watch
brevity-9435230 August 2023
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.
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.
Eye opening documentary
liggett-0064914 August 2023
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.
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.
I am hooked to the show and to Pat
deboraserrenho29 August 2023
Not being from the US myself, I was unaware of all the scam it was going through this sort of thing. Thank you for the amazing work, I was really into the show since it first came out. It exposes the real problem about telemarketing, who are the telemarketers and the company itself. The passion that has been involved in trying to solve the issue and how it has been addressed.
Pat is amazing and you can empathize with him since the first episode as well as many others depicted on the show. The connection that some of the people share is super genuine and you can feel through the screen. I totally recommend this show to anyone.
Pat is amazing and you can empathize with him since the first episode as well as many others depicted on the show. The connection that some of the people share is super genuine and you can feel through the screen. I totally recommend this show to anyone.
I think my family fell for this!!!!
nancur21 August 2023
Warning: Spoilers
I live in Southern California. Years ago in the mid to late1990s my then husband somehow was contacted by the local police department. I don't know if by mail or phone call. He was asked to donate some money via this organization that contacted him. He probably gave $20.00. He was then contacted each year to donate, which he did and it was always about $20.00. He was always excited to do this as our city has a great police department. We had some police situations over the years and they were very helpful to us, catching the bad guys and throwing them in jail and we wanted to support them. A few years later we divorced. I recall getting mail and calls from the same organization. I didn't donate as was a bit poor and it was his thing anyway. They stopped calling.
Now, after watching this documentary, I wonder if it was a scam. I will never know.
Now, after watching this documentary, I wonder if it was a scam. I will never know.
Great First Episode, All Downhill From There
rtqvcwn7 September 2023
The first episode of Telemarketers presented an eye-opening look into the shady world of telemarket fundraising. We saw actual footage from inside CDG, the worst of the worst, the original and groundbreaking fundraising scheme. Pranks, on-site drug use, the active recruitment of felons from halfway houses - it was jaw dropping.
But then the second and third episodes arrived. Each episode more painful than it's predecessor, we follow amateur and untalented sleuths, as they haplessly interview a couple of quasi-governmental professionals about the shady nature of fund raising being contracted out to shady telemarketing companies, then a handful of identity-shielded telemarketing workers and managers who say basically the same thing over and over: telemarketing is bad.
The duo puts the sloppiest and worst spoken member in front of the camera, and every time he speaks the viewer cringes. They vow to blow the lid off this thing, and to take down the bad guys, but all they accomplish is everything I've described and nothing more. Cringe. They accomplished cringe.
Watch one episode, take it for what it's worth.
But then the second and third episodes arrived. Each episode more painful than it's predecessor, we follow amateur and untalented sleuths, as they haplessly interview a couple of quasi-governmental professionals about the shady nature of fund raising being contracted out to shady telemarketing companies, then a handful of identity-shielded telemarketing workers and managers who say basically the same thing over and over: telemarketing is bad.
The duo puts the sloppiest and worst spoken member in front of the camera, and every time he speaks the viewer cringes. They vow to blow the lid off this thing, and to take down the bad guys, but all they accomplish is everything I've described and nothing more. Cringe. They accomplished cringe.
Watch one episode, take it for what it's worth.
A C A B
jc66699929 August 2023
Blue lives matter people are review bombing this show. Do not listen to them and watch it. Patrick Pespas is a wonderful character, his arc is very inspiring and emotional and the doc is worth watching for that alone but the whole show was great. With many twists and turns narrated by some very interesting (as in, weird) people, it leaves you wanting more until the very last moments. It just shows how rotten and corrupt the system is in America in ways that are actually surprising. How is it possible something like this has ben going on for so long? And it's not even at its worst yet. AI will make sure of it. ACAB!
A civic duty, A must watch
nerdstalgia29 August 2023
Warning: Spoilers
This is a must watch for all Americans. Not only is this a beautifully told redemption story, it's blows the lid off exactly how these vultures scam Americas most vulnerable people and continue to get away with it. The BEST docuseries in the last decade.
Let Sam & Pat carry you along their journey to get to the bottom of who really benefits from these scams and why we haven't been able to stop it. You may or may not be surprised of who all is complicit.
Moral of the story, never donate to anything over the phone, regardless of how beneficial it sounds, unless you like throwing your hard earned money down the drain.
Let Sam & Pat carry you along their journey to get to the bottom of who really benefits from these scams and why we haven't been able to stop it. You may or may not be surprised of who all is complicit.
Moral of the story, never donate to anything over the phone, regardless of how beneficial it sounds, unless you like throwing your hard earned money down the drain.
Brilliant we need more people like this
nmvnyrmv13 September 2023
I was gripped through all episodes . It's put my faith back in mankind that there are still some of us prepared to stand up to all the corruption cover ups . Respect to you guys. It's a real case of the rich stealing from the poor and most vulnerable. To think police are making money off the back of ex criminals and treating them disgracefully. There's alot of legal stealing going on by big companies local governments local and national. It was uplifting to see them both recover from addictions and I really hope you have been paid for your research and documentary. I just hope you stay friends for ever and get the credit you deserve RESPECT.
did an amazing job raising awareness
eyobbarca26 September 2023
Warning: Spoilers
Now, I know that they didn't succeed after doing all those investigations but what Sam and Patrick really did really opened our eyes about the world of telemarketing scams and frauds. These people are making themselves millionaires by shaking down small business owners and senior citizens who think their activities are legitimate. What's even annoying is that, they always get away committing these crimes. All the government does is give them little slap in their wrist and let's them go and do it all again. Kudos for Sam, Pat, and Adam for exposing these fraudsters. I hope their work could at least decrease this scam.
Interesting subject, but loses steam by the third episode
jp757029 August 2023
Warning: Spoilers
At its core, "Telemarketers" confirms what we already know - that third-party telemarketing is a scam, especially when done in the name of a charity for injured or fallen first-responders. The fact that little or no money actually finds its way these first-responders is not the headline.
"Telemarketers" spends the better part of its 3-hour run-time showing how sleazy the telemarketing callers are, how sleazy their companies are, and sadly how sleazy many of the police/fire organizations are that hire them. The core characters are reformed telemarketers trying to expose the industry (the leading guy could be played by Bobby Moynihan from SNL), but nothing really gets done at the end. Even the one Senator they meet with seems disinterested - and perhaps is already influenced by these organizations judging by the many framed badges of police organizations in his conference room.
Overall, there was a LOT of fluff and unnecessary material in order to stretch this out to 3 one-hour episodes. In reality, a single 90-minute documentary would have sufficed. And at the end of the final episode, there is no resolution, no hope of passing new legislation to prevent these scam callers, and very few people willing to talk to the amateur journalists conducting the interviews.
This started out with a lot of promise, but it just could not maintain its own momentum and it reaches no conclusion or resolution. So the next time you get a call from someone that says they represent a charity for fallen or injured first-responders, the best thing you can do is hang up. Because there is no hope on the horizon that anything will ever be done to stop this.
"Telemarketers" spends the better part of its 3-hour run-time showing how sleazy the telemarketing callers are, how sleazy their companies are, and sadly how sleazy many of the police/fire organizations are that hire them. The core characters are reformed telemarketers trying to expose the industry (the leading guy could be played by Bobby Moynihan from SNL), but nothing really gets done at the end. Even the one Senator they meet with seems disinterested - and perhaps is already influenced by these organizations judging by the many framed badges of police organizations in his conference room.
Overall, there was a LOT of fluff and unnecessary material in order to stretch this out to 3 one-hour episodes. In reality, a single 90-minute documentary would have sufficed. And at the end of the final episode, there is no resolution, no hope of passing new legislation to prevent these scam callers, and very few people willing to talk to the amateur journalists conducting the interviews.
This started out with a lot of promise, but it just could not maintain its own momentum and it reaches no conclusion or resolution. So the next time you get a call from someone that says they represent a charity for fallen or injured first-responders, the best thing you can do is hang up. Because there is no hope on the horizon that anything will ever be done to stop this.
Great Mini series that keeps you hooked
michigan_football17 February 2024
Wasn't sure what to expect from this one and was thoroughly impressed. This film a is a glimpse into another life most will never have or think about. I Love when a filmmaker films for so many years that the story unfolds over time, just as much as they do. This film is all about the characters, they seem so unreal they have to be made up, which is why it's so entertaining...
The footage inside the call centre is unbelievable really, how any business could operate that way let alone successfully... The film unfolds each episode and grows into a scam of such epic proportions, it is unfathomable. As always, follow the money.
Worth a watch for sure. 8/10.
The footage inside the call centre is unbelievable really, how any business could operate that way let alone successfully... The film unfolds each episode and grows into a scam of such epic proportions, it is unfathomable. As always, follow the money.
Worth a watch for sure. 8/10.
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