User reviews

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.

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.

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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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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 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.

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.