Washtenaw County sheriff's deputies say 'fundraising' calls are a scam
Washtenaw County sheriff's deputies are warning residents that calls from individuals claiming to be fundraising on behalf of the sheriff's department aren't legitimate.
A Bridgewater Township resident told police a caller who identified himself as a sheriff's deputy named "Leonard" asked for donations for needy kids.
The resident said the caller didn't specify how the funds would be used. The resident declined to donate money, thinking it was likely a scam to get her credit card number, police said.
Sheriff's officials said they don't conduct phone solicitations of any kind. Police warned residents not to provide personal information unless they approach a known and legitimate charity to make a donation.
For more information, call the sheriff's department at 734-971-8400.
Comments
psaume23
Wed, Aug 4, 2010 : 8:14 p.m.
Here is a site for reporting such scams: www.ic3.gov. In general, local police do not have the resources to address or publicize relatively small fraud operations, so the ic3 site may be effective to get the word out to the public and enable the feds and the local PDs to connect the dots. There have been charity scams which even involved exploiting the 9-11 and Katrina tragedies (see www.toptenz.net/top-10-charity-scams); the scam artists seem to have lost their moral compasses (if they ever had any).
Elaine F. Owsley
Tue, Aug 3, 2010 : 2:41 p.m.
There are two different groups who do this. One is trying to sell tickets to a country and western concert "for the benefit of" and the other is just looking for donations for their "fund that helps people who are in need" whatever that means. One calls itself the police commander's fund or something on that order.
fudd44
Tue, Aug 3, 2010 : 1:01 p.m.
when they call me I say" whats your address Ill bring you the money they tap dance around till they finally give up
Peacemaker
Tue, Aug 3, 2010 : 12:25 p.m.
Same scam is being tried asking for a donation to the Fraternal Order of Police. Although the scammer first asked to speak "to the lady of the house." Apparently they think women are an easier mark. The standard answer I use is, "Sorry, I don't respond to telephone solitations." Then I immediately hang up.