866-277-4144

At 8:25 AM, the phone rang. "Toll Free Svc" and an 866 number appeared. I answered. No response. Then there was a click and the connection was broken. Another computer-dialed call to see if my phone is working? A stupid telemarketer?

Caller ID reads Unavailable, but it's for donations to some Autism organization

A genuine Autism Awareness group would identify itself on the caller ID. They wouldn't call you at odd hours or so often as to annoy you.  Don't pick up the call or you may  just block their number. I understand that they have a dozen or so-- all 866-277-xxxx.

They call several times every day of the week including Sunday. This certainly discourages me from wanting to give to their cause. Don't they know it is annoying and leaves me with suspicion that they are not a legitimate charity?

Phone serach companies are involved in this scam to force people to buy their search service. Mother...

They love to test you to see how long you will let them call.  If we all begin to block them they soon will get the message.  I only give to local groups and not to people on the Internet or when they call.  This is a scam..  Do not fall for it.

Calls from 866-277-4144 at 8:30 AM on both 03/28/12 and 03/29/12. No caller id other than the number and no one on the line. This is annoying for someone who does shift work. It's kind of like calling a normal 9 to 5 worker at 3 in the morning.
Caller Company:

Autism Spectrum Disorder Foundation located in Schererville,IN.Their real number is 877-806-0635.It's leader is Michael Slutsky.They say they solicit funds for children with autism.According to their 990 Tax statements, less than 10% of monies collected goes towards helping autism.The rest lines the pockets of Michael Slutsky.DO NOT give them money. They call using various numbers : 866-271-5120;866-271-9119;866-271-8742; 866-271-9704;866-277-1062. I spoke with a representative of the Autism Society at their headquarters in Maryland.She gave me all this info.If you want to check out a charity,go to one of the following sites.You can see just how much they report collecting and what percentage actually goes to charity. guidestar.org , charitynavigator.com or greatnonprofits.org

3.29.12 Received multiple calls from various "toll free" numbers that probably track back to fund raising for Autism. Wonderful organization, but that reputation can be sullied by harassing calls.

Info on this organization:

Fraud Watchdog Sounds Autism Fundraising Scam Alert
Source: 2011-03-09
http://neurodiversity.com/weblog/article/216/

Autism foundation's IRS filings raise eyebrows
Source: July 30, 2011
http://www.startribune.com/local/west/126457453.html

Police warn of 'Autism Society' scam
Source: May 6, 2011
http://www.autism-society.org/news/police-warn-of-autism.html

BBB: Consumers Should Think Twice About Donating To 7 Charities Tied To St. Louis Area Sweepstakes Firm
Source: 2/22/2011
http://nela.bbb.org/article/bbb-consumers-sho ... akes-firm-25529

The “Autism Spectrum Disorder Foundation” & Its Telemarketing Campaign

Source: Mar 12, 2009
http://neurodiversity.com/weblog/article/187/

Thanks for all the info on these scummy scammers.  The "autistic" scammers keep using different toll free numbers, but I never answer.  Sometimes I leave my fax line on.  We need to keep on "googling" these numbers and giving info on this website about these calls to help others who think they are legit.  I only give to local charities I know about.  Thanks for researching & sharing information to help others.

Thank you for all that info. They have been calling me daily for weeks. Every time I block a number they call on a different one so I willnow block all the ones you listed.

Another number that shows on my caller ID on the same day was 866-271-4667.  Possibly the same outfit.  In both cases the caller was identified as '800 Service.'  Beware also of Telefund calling on 805-897-1183.  They also claim to represent several worthy non-profits, but posts elsewhere on this website inform us that their tactics are the same, i.e. they give a minimum donation to the named charity and skim the rest.  One should never give money or personal information over the telephone to anyone.