When a presidential campaign taps your credit card

It’s true that you can’t judge a book by its cover, but I admit that I once got a close-up look at the people doing telemarketing back in the ’90s for a certain major political party. And I haven’t given my credit card number over the phone to anyone since.

Carol Mahr, 81, gave a few bucks to the Clinton campaign, although she did it via the campaign’s website.

“I thought oh what the hell I’ll give them $25,” she told KARE 11.

“They took out $100 more than what I donated,” she said.

Her son called the campaign and finally got a human who said he’d be sure the charges were removed.

A month later, Mahr got her credit card statement. More charges, KARE said.

“So I got back on the phone again,” said Roger as he rolled his eyes.

Each time he called he says he got an automated recording telling him all operators were busy and to call back.

“Instead of trying to get something productive done I’m sitting here trying to resolve a Hillary for America problem,” he said.

Fed up after making what he estimates were 100 phone calls to the campaign over a period of several days, Roger filed a fraud report with the Minnesota Attorney General’s office and asked KARE 11 for assistance.

“There comes a point where I just can’t waste my entire day trying to resolve a fraudulent charge on the credit card, which is exactly what it is,” he said. “They’re taking advantage of my 81-year-old mother and that’s not right.”

Carol says it’s not enough to turn her into a Republican. But she says it might be enough to keep her from voting.