National Leadership Award?

Feb 7, ’07 6:38 PM
Author Categories Politics

I received a voicemail this morning at my work phone number from a Bill Barkus claiming to work for Representative Tom Cole (R-OK) and the National Republican Congressional Committee. According to the message, the RNCC wants to recognize me with their “national leadership award”. Of course I’m immediately skeptical as I consider:

a.) why would a Rep. from Oklahoma want to recognize me as a national leader?
b.) why would the RNCC want to recognize a Democrat?
c.) how did they get my work number?

I thought surely that someone had nominated me as a joke.

However, I needed some answers so I searched on the Internet for “Tom Cole leadership awards“. Lo and behold the first site that came up was another blog about these so-called ‘leadership awards’ and I learned that many, many people had been called. You can read all about it here.

Apparently they ask permission to use your name in a full-page ad they’re taking out to “support further tax cuts and to defeat the Democrats in the upcoming elections” and they also ask that you donate a few hundred dollars to help out with the “media blitz”. I’m assuming that their goals have changed since the Republican defeat in November. Then again, maybe not. They may just be that out of touch.

The common link seems to be registered business owners, but it’s still odd that I was called on my work number. My DBA doesn’t list my work number. The other commonality seems to be that we’re all Democrats (or at least vote that way), but I don’t believe that can be substantiated. Perhaps it’s just Democrats who were skeptical enough to research it further on the Internet.

I haven’t called the number back yet, but I think I might tomorrow sometime just to have a little fun. I did, however, put a call into MY Congressman, Rep. Lloyd Doggett (D-TX) to inform his office of this scam on the part of the RNCC in case they were not aware. I’m hoping that someone will introduce a symbolic resolution demanding that the RNCC stop harassing and trying to dupe voters across the country. That should embarrass Mr. Cole, Mr. Reynolds, and the already disgraced Mr. Delay.

Update: (03/16/2007): I just received another phone call from Mr. Tom Cole’s office. This time the caller identified herself as Amanda Peyton on my voicemail, but gave the same spiel. They should google their name and their award. They’d see that I come up first.

Update: (04/27/2007): Congratulations to this guy. It’s a real honor to be considered for this award and not just some money-making scam that casts a wide net.

Update: (05/02/2007): These guys are UNBELIEVABLE! I just got another voicemail, this time from a Douglas Wilson with the Business Advisory Council telling me that Congressman Cole would like to invite me to dinner with President Bush on June 13th. This time I was instructed to call 888-383-8065, so it looks like they’re changing up a little bit.

Update: (05/11/2007): It will never end. I returned from lunch just now to find yet ANOTHER voicemail from Jacqueline Grupe (sp?), my contact at the Business Advisory Council. I was asked to call the same 888-383-8065 number as before and to do it with urgency to be able to have dinner with President Bush. Tom Cole must really, really want me to join them for dinner.

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  • http://na chansen

    I too recieved the call today. I’m a republican and I too think it is a scam…makes me somewhat bitter.

  • http://myutopias.blogspot.com/ Kelly

    While that is so wrong, I can’t help but admire the cleverness of it all.

  • Trisha

    My fiancee also received a call this morning from Dee Lamasta at Mr. Cole’s Office. We are registered small business owners in CT, however, as he is a “resident alien” and not a “citizen” he is not registered to vote for any party. I thought it sounded fishy and looked it up on the internet and saw all the “scam” blogs! Thanks for your help with this! As small business owners with a brand new company, we cannot afford to be taken by this nonsense.

  • Tere

    What a bunch of crap. I called just to hear what it said. An operater congratulates you and then has you listen to a message from Tom Cole. Wow… I was so honored… right. So I asked how much will this cost. She said nothing to be put in the letter and I would receive a picture of President Bush to put in my office or home…… Okay, finally, “Can I tell Tom Cole we can count on a $500.00 donation?” Hell, no, and don’t call again.

  • Barb

    I got the same call. Thanks for the heads-up. Just goes to show how much reform is actually needed in our government.

  • Gail Patterson

    I am a small business owner in California, who was contacting regarding the National Leadership Award from Tom Cole’s office. I am thankful that I checked it out via web searches prior to calling. I think this is a smarmy and outlandish scam. I am going to let my representative know about this contact from RNCC and hope others do as well.

  • Kris

    I too recd. this call. Didn’t bother to return the call to Tom Cole’s office. Thanks to all those who gave heads-up on this.

  • http://www.jenndesphotography.com Jennifer D.

    Wow – am I glad I checked all this out online after receiving the VM this AM. Amanda Peyton from Tom Cole’s office at 877-213-0603 left me the message that I had won the National Leadership Award. I am a registered Republican but by no means active in any way (hate Bush). I am a professional landscape photographer on the side of my regular 9-5. This blog was very helpful – no way am I going to call her back. This is simply a disgraceful way to raise money and apparently it’s been going on since 2002 (see http://aggressive-voice.com/zz532.html). Maybe I should switch to Democrat.

  • Sal G.

    I received the Award for Co-chariman of the Samll Business Advisory committe and NRCC 2006 Businessman of the year award. I am also a small businessman and can not afford handing out money. Therefore I sent a letter to Cngree man Reynols congreman asking them to pay my travel, hotel and business luncheon in Washing DC for the Republican Summitt Business Luncheonwhen I am supposed to receive my 2006 National Congressional Businessman of the year award. FYI the luncheon tickets cost $5,000.00 each. I will keep this site informed to see if what they are offering is ture or a scam!

  • http://ryan.joyserve.net Ryan

    Sal,
    That’s a great idea. I should have requested that I be flown out to DC and put up in a hotel to accept my reward. I’d even tell all my friends so it’d be good PR. Do let us know how it all turns out.
    -RYAN

  • Barb S.

    I received the same call yesterday while out of town, and a confirming note by fax this AM. Figured it was a scam, and glad I checked. Now I am tempted to call to see what they say if I ask for them to pay for the trip/lunch etc.

    I will think about it!

  • http://none Lynne Fonda

    Thanks for your helpful site! My father received the same call, from Rep Tom Cole – OK., asking for me, this a.m., Since I haven’t lived with my parents for the better part of 35+ years, I began to research it.

    After consideration of several facts, I came to the following conclusion:

    1) I JUST renewed my Monterey County, CA. dba. It had to be published.

    2) Since I’m in Colorado Springs, I used my parent’s address on my long term (22 yrs) dba.

    3) A Republican would never choose engagement in any discussion, with me!!

    4) Apparently, these people are using a cross-reference address/phone; thus my parents phone number. My business # has a toll free 866 number

    The conclusion then became quite simple!! I simply told my dad; it’s a scam. This is NOT roket science, and fortunately is a well-earned embarassment to the skewed GOP! Cool, one more tangible piece of evidence they have huge black marks, on their performance.

    Many thanks for your info! Your mention of the dba solved it for me, in about 30 seconds!!

    Thanks! Keep the Faith!

    Lynne Fonda

  • Danielle

    i got a call also and i did research it on the net first total scam i did call back and listen but the i hung up when they asked me for $500.00 what a joke i’m democrat i told them if i was gona donate it would be to the democrats

  • Ruth H.

    Just got the same message today from Tom Cole’s office…same pitch…same return phone #…small business owner…registered Democrat. Because of this site, and several others like it, I will not be returning that call. Thanks.

  • Kristen

    I received a similar call on my company’s phone line today from Beverly Brown, who also said she was calling “on behalf of Congressman Tom Cole and the Republican Congressional Committee” because I’d been selected for their so-called National Leadership Award and she wanted to speak with me about a press release. There was a similar telemarketing scam coming from Tom Delay’s office a few years ago. I didn’t bother to return the call because what they don’t bother to tell you in their message is that they want you — the supposed “award recipient” — to pay for the press release. Some of them also want you to pay big bucks to attend a dinner supposedly held in honor of you and all the other “award recipients”. What a joke.

  • http://www.ghirardelliassoc.com Bill

    I got the same call. Although I’m registered as a Republican (however, not to happy about the way the GOP is going these days) I think I’ll pass on the call back. At first I thought they must have gotten me and my father confused because I doubt I’ve done anything “leaderly” lately, at least not on a National level.

    This all kind of reminds me of those Liberian money transfer scams

  • Candice Breyer

    I too received 2 phone calls for the award, and I’m a republican. Actually, these kinds of awards are prevalent throughout the country. I’ve been nominated now for the National Leadership award, the National Poetry award, Who’s Who in Business, Who’s Who in Leadership, and Who’s Who in Poetry. The other day I received an email from the British version of a poetry award.

    Every last one of these so called “awards”, that get you nothing in life, costs you at least a few hundred dollars. I’ve researched every one of them, and realized that they only exist to get more money out of people with little to show for it in return. Quite honestly, I would be embarrassed to have bragging rights like that on the wall of one of my offices, because I wouldn’t have a response as to how I earned it, and you know that everyone would ask–”so how’d you get that?” and I would have to reply that I paid $500 for it. How embarrassing.

  • cameron

    Today at work they left a message with one of my employees for me, same BS as everybody else, they would like to present me as a business owner with the national leadership award. Thanks for the heads up people!!! At first I thought it was my creepy peeping tom stalker sub human homophobe biggot nieghbor screwing with me, well not this time it’s just a republican congressman.

  • Jack

    Ditto, and ditto. Ya know… they left me their 877 number to call them back… and they get charged everytime someone calls it… hmmm… 877-213-0603… I think I’ll give them a call, or 500.

  • Phil McIntyre

    What scam to use by a “Republican Party Member”, due to businesses leaving the country and false info to the American people on the war by President’s staff. What’s next? A job offer in Washington as an Assistant to the Assistant of the Award Search Committee and I can make these same calls? Even better, “How to raise money to Install Rig Voting Ballot Machines in Democrat’s states?” What a Big Joke!

  • Phil McIntyre

    I received a called today on my machine from Heather Cole who left this message:

    This message is for Mr. Phil McIntyre. Hi Mr. McIntyre, my name is Heather Yoland Sullivan. I’m with Congressman Tom Cole in the National Republican Congressional Committee in Washington. We would like to recognize you sir, it’s with our National Leadership Award. But I want to talk with too about a press release, because we do want to send that out to you. So again, my name is Heather Yolanda. My number is 1-877-213-0603. So please call as soon as get the message. Thank you sir and you have a good day.

    What scam to use by a “Republican Party Member”, due to businesses leaving the country and false info to the American people on the war by President’s staff. What’s next? A job offer in Washington as an Assistant to the Assistant of the Award Search Committee and I can make these same calls? Even better, “How to raise money to Install Rig Voting Ballot Machines in Democrat’s states?” What a Big Joke!

  • Bob B.

    Just retrieved the VM this morning from Walter Stevens obo Tom Cole’s office to call back for more award info(877 213-0603). They butchered my name; and how they got it is scary. My rather large company recently filed DBA (seems like the common denominator), but in no way am I an owner. Amazing what a little googling can do. Thanks for the heads-up.

  • Cj

    I just received the call this morning from Monica Ewok. Same exact message as those listed above.

    I am neither a registered voter, nor am I a registered business owner. I used to sell Avon so I presume that’s how they found me.

    Sounded like a scam so I immediately searched the web. Thank goodness for the web! :)

  • Dan B.

    I was wondering about this….. Especially since I was just out in DC 10 days ago lobbying on behalf of ProSpace (a Space advocacy group). I didn’t recall meeting with any Legislative Directors from Tom Cole’s office. And why the hell does a congressman need a toll-free number?! I see now that they must have found me from being the “owner” (director) of a non-profit organization. I should be the one calling their office soliciting donations. Hmmm…..

  • Matt B

    Same story as everyone else – I’m the registered contact on my DBA, although I hadn’t had a chance to google prior to calling. I was asked for a $500 donation to support a full page ad in the WSJ (which I rejected after they couldn’t disclose the content of the ad). I’m a moderate libertarian, so I’m not exactly a supportive demographic for the current administration.

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  • Brad Hoffman

    Was called at my Business number and a message was left saying I won!!! Same girl Amanda the porn star!
    that wants you to meet her, then refers you to her personal add trying to get you to hook up with her!

    I think ill give them a call back!! Saying im her pimp!!!!

  • http://www.StengthTeacher.com Karen Goeller

    Hey, I got the call today. Now I feel like a member of some club. Glad I didn;t fall for the scam! I always do a reverse lookup and if nothing shows, then I tyoe the nuber into google.I am so glad I did that because I found all the dirt on these sleezes! Thanks for posting this information. I’d rather spend a minute responding to this post than a ton of time and energy trying to figure it out by calling them back! Thanks again for the information!!!
    Karen
    http://www.StrengthTeacher.com

  • Annoyed Callee

    I, too, have received these calls. In fact, I can’t count the number of times they’ve called by business line since last June or so. Sometimes, several times a day. Most of the time they don’t leave a message, but sometimes they do. They’ve left two messages in the last two days, and I’m starting to get fed up.

    I have never, ever called back. I wish they’d get the hint.

  • Big Winner

    Yippee!! Im the newest recipient of the award!!!

  • Shelli

    I am a receptionist for a company that was called on the scam. I stupidly gave them my fax. i hope nothing else comes of this.

  • Ralf & Bobbi

    Is This for real ? How stupid do they think we are? As Business owners we know ain’t nothing in this world for free. Well maybe if We had time we might consider calling back ….not. Why are they wasting our time with this GOP bull sh*t?

  • Aaron

    Yah, same story….

    But I think you should call Tom’s office. Dial *67 first to blcok caller ID, then given it’s a 877 number we’ll ring up quite a bill for this A-Hole.

  • Jason H

    I got the call today, too (actually, my wife did at home). Saying this is a “scam” is overstating things a bit. And the Do-Not-Call list doesn’t cover political campaigns. Basically, these calls have to be chalked up to being an annoyance that we have to live with.

    I’m apolitical (I refrain from participating in the political system), so they couldn’t have gotten my name from a voter registry. They must be using Social Security or Driver’s License records to call people in areas where they are “likely” to have support. I live in Texas, which is predominantly Republican, of course.

  • Carol

    I too just got the call!! I just received a real national honor and thought could I be so hot that even the republicans want to give me an award…I guess I’m not that hot!!!

  • http://www.comicstrippolitics.com/?p=10 Robert Dickson

    Jason – Apparently, they don’t only call places where they think they’ll have support. I live in Maryland, where Democrats outnumber Republicans by more than 2 to 1, and I go the call. Click on my name to read my story.

    I have no political affiliation, but it enrages me that any political party would stoop so low as to pull this kind of sleazy scam.

  • http://www.ubastid.com Mike

    I wonder if they will address my award to “my company”…it’s just a bogus thing for IT stuff and my co’s name is Bitch and Bastid website ubastid.com. Email me my award dammit!

    Thanks for starting this blog, but I think I will still call and corner their butts by telling them I’m too poor and ask them to please mail it. Yay!

  • http://WTPcalimesaVAEyahoo.com Vincent Eddy

    I recieved my call telling me that I was a winner!
    I had to do some research before I could consider.
    I am no mad, I an not bitter
    But for $500 dollars I will be a quitter

  • Babs in Texas

    Got call yesterday. Pretty sure it was a scam and figured they wanted money. Googled it just to see what was the deal. Do they think people are stupid?

  • Brad Hoffman

    Oh my god!! more calls even after calling the secretary and telling her to “F” off! She then reminded me that the conversation was being recorded! I said “good then everyone can listen to this” and oh………..”F” off! I like to call them and put them on hold!! its kinda fun and better than playing solitaire!

  • Cynthia in California

    I have been called about 5 times by Congressman Tom Coles office. I figured it was a scam and never called back. They have talked to my employees and when they finally reached me, they said I was being honored with a National Leadership Award, then went on to ask for $500.00 or even $300.00 if I couldn’t work with the 500 figure. I was right, they just wanted money ! Why does a Congressman from Oklahoma want to honor me , he has no idea who I am and what I do. They must think we women are stupid

  • Holly in Chicago

    I have been called twice. Both times it was someone from Tom Cole’s office telling me that I was to be honored with a National Leadership Award. The second call even said that I was invited to be an honored guest at a dinner with The President and Mrs. Bush. Oh, please! I can hardly stand to watch him on TV. I don’t think I would enjoy a dinner with him in the same room.

  • K Tackett

    My husband just received “the call” from Tom Cole’s business advisorary Council. There is no such word as advisorary, but that is what she said! They obviously have been doing this for a while, I wonder how many people have actually fallen for this. I’m going to call and ask them what advisorary means -Merriam-Webster says it is not a word. ha ha!!!

  • http://www.mindfire.com Andrew

    haha, I too am invited to dinner with President Bush. I got a ring from my main man Brian. Thank God Im invited to the fake party of the year.

  • http://www.fatpacking.com Steve Silberberg

    Thanks for posting this and exposing it for the underhanded phone spam I figured it had to be.

    Steve

  • David

    The funniest thing is that when you’re googling this, you find press releases from the suckers who think this is really an award to be proud of!

  • Earl

    Ha. I got one too.

    Seems like only democrats are getting invited to be on the National Republican Congressional Committee as the Business Advisory Council. Cool – if they keep this up, maybe the dem’s will kick the Rup
    s oput.

  • Thomas

    I am a Republican and I got the message. Rep Tom Cole wants me to have dinner with Bush 43 on the 13th. Who are they kidding? I have had better phone scams than this tried on me. Couldn’t they get someone from your own district to invite you? I would rather have dinner with my new Democrat Lampson than the sleezy Tom Delay I had.

  • http://www.myrtlebeachwebdesign.com Jan Chilton

    I just got the same BS call about having dinner with President Bush. Can’t Tom Cole’s office do something about this scam? I would think he’d be outraged.

    I’m also a registered Democrat, but my business is homebased and NOT registered. They are probably getting their information from some website directory for small businesses.

    Jan
    Myrtle Beach, SC

  • http://WiiMail.com,SinStar.net Davien Crow

    Well I just got this phone from the same number, they have been calling my Business line every day for the past month or more from 1(888)383-8065 as an Uknown Caller. They didn’t leave a message (I never answered the calls) on my business line but started calling my personal line instead. They left a messagge this time it said something along the lines of “Hello, my name is Bonita Hagar, I’m calling on behalf of the Business Advisory Council”… of course there is no single Business Advisory Council let alone I am not a member of any political party or have registered to vote (because I have thought all of the candidates were morons thus far in my adulthood) “… We want to invite you to a dinner with President Bush on Tuesday the 13th, please call back.. the number is.. ” blah blah blah .. you guys know the drill.

    After getting the message I simply looked the number up, found this, and other sites, red flagging it, and looked on my call history, notes, and such… AND THERE I noticed they had also called months ago and pretended to be a Virginia Senator as well. A family member had written down the call for me and sure enough that number was the same.

    DO NOT FALL FOR THIS PLOY, it’s obviously too good to be true, and very far fetched by any standards unless your Bono or a CEO.

    I don’t know the consequences of falling for this typical Phisher ploy, but it will most likely get you more calls, mail, and possible even involve identity theft or result in some other substantial loss.

    I suggest somone call the FBI and contact the BBB immediately. What they are doing is most likely illegal.

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