If a charity is forced to move its headquarters to a new state on account of the dodgy dealings and underhand practices its been getting up to in its old home, anyone with any sense should know to keep well away, Unfortunately, the United States Deputy Sheriffs Association is well versed enough in manipulation to convince even the most well-meaning of folk that its still a cause worthy of their support. . I have asked 5 times to be removed from their call list, but they are still constantly calling, at this point it is harassment and it needs to STOP! That means of a $35 donation, no more than $3.50 goes to their stated cause, highest-volume phone messages in most major U.S. markets. nationalpolice.org. In fact, they count on the confusion to gather contributions. National Police Support Fund representatives have been phoning potential donors in the St. Louis area over the past several weeks, including the wife of a retired police officer who said she . The websites describe his career in law enforcement and his role as the creator of the police officers safety act legislation carried by former San Diego Congressman Randy Duke Cunningham. The Arizona Fraternal Order of Police is a real organization, but protect yourself and ask questions when you receive calls like these. Many of these names could easily be confused with public charities, such as Autism Speaks, National Association of Police Organizations, or Veterans Assistance Foundation. Once it was blocked through my service provider, an additional phone number began to call my home multiple times a day. Are the money-gathering techniques these scam PACs use illegal? On 10/29/20 a man called to get pledges for national police support fund. You are now leaving AARP.org and going to a website that is not operated by AARP. JW August is a San Diego-based broadcast and digital journalist. . Getting 3 to 5 calls a day from 315-410-0874 phone number. He initially solicited $95 and eventually said he would accept a $15 contribution as an offer of goodwill on my part. The National Police Support Fund has a website and even a Facebook page to make them look legit, but hundreds of articles pop up from sources like the Better Business Bureau, The National Police Foundation and more warning people NOT to donate to this organization. On 11/4 another local call came it was the same man! Asking for donations to the National Police Support Fund. I told him that there is no such thing as a National Police Trust Fund. The Greenfield, Massachusetts, police department warned about the group last year as well. He never would have given money to any group if he knew that some of that money was going to pro-Trump campaign ads, said Busse. They improvise and evolve to stay one step ahead of unsuspecting donors. Phony Firefighters Scam. An IRS report was filed on July 26. As a wife of a police officer this is absolutely disgusting! she stated. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Legitimate charities can be checked on websites such as www.guidestar.org. Ask if the donation is tax-deductible. Years later, as the success of the program and its activities grew, six chapters on the east coast decided to convene and discuss how athletics could be incorporated into the organizations programs. Required fields are marked *. We strive to engage the public through political grassroots activity to support political interests that promote officer's interests. But none of the money being raised actually goes to police departments, according to government records. Promoting divisive rhetoric is detrimental to the public safety mission that requires any genuine law enforcement organization to be accountable to its constituents. Whoops! Learn more about how we use cookies in our cookie policy. FEC filings show that of the group's minimal political spending, most has gone toward pro-Trump advertising such as billboards. If your phone rings, it's not us. They do disclose, however, that of the nearly $10 million raised, the super PAC gave more money back to the union roughly $350,000 for office, operational and overhead expenses than the $173,500 it spent on political activities between January 2019 and June 2020. We won't use your email for any other purpose, and you can opt out at any time via an unsubscribe link. Cookie Notice Gifts to actual charities are donations to PACs, which sometimes sound like charities, are not. Never disclose personal information. Or follow the simplest rule: Never give to anyone over the phone, said Margot Saunders, senior counsel for the National Consumer Law Center. Give Light and the People Will Find Their Own Way. You can find more information about "who is the National Police Support . It was raising money using four different police-oriented names (one "association," two "coalitions" and one "support fund"). Your email address will not be published. We are just passing along the information if you get a suspicious call asking for money for police officers.. I've asked them repeatedly to stop calling this typically results in additional calls back to back from different numbers. IRS reports show that in 2011 alone, executive director Ken Howles drew an $87000 salary of the little money left over, only around 9-14% made its way into the hands of the troopers. PPF has been sued by regulatory agencies in at least six states, including California, Ohio, Illinois and Missouri, and was fined $463,000. The first thing I noticed was that I wasnt talking to live people; the answers all sounded scripted and recorded. He said that although it is more expensive for super PACs to solicit small donations which is what this one is doing spending so much on operations and so little on political activities is unusual. While some donors believe they are donating to . Wow! At the end of 2021, robocalls raising money for police groups were the highest-volume phone messages in most major U.S. markets, according to Nomorobo, a robocall-blocking company that works with AARP on fraud prevention. 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These callers typically use language that suggests they are charities raising money directly for local police. Read Also: Do You Have To Call The Police After An Accident, 2021 KnowYourPolice.net 25% off sitewide and 30% off select items. And cops are facing increasing disrespect on the streets as criminals have become emboldened by the wave of anti-cop rhetoric in the news media and by many politicians. And that is likely the point. This includes marketing and outreach to supporters and communities, grassroots political efforts, and digital marketing efforts. Another telemarketing employee reached by CNN in the Philippines confirmed this, saying he solicited money on behalf of the super PAC and the IUPA using audio recordings of someone who sounded like they were actually calling from America, and that most of the people they reached were elderly adding he felt it was a scam because they didnt realize what they were actually donating to. He said he wanted a contribution for the police department and man and women who are fighting to protect us. In about 7 years (through March 2018), the union and relief fund spent a total of approximately $102.3 million, of which $82.3 million went towards fundraising. Wendy Beckman got a call the other day from a man asking her to help retired police and firefighters. and our This group purports on various websites that donations are being used to back candidates who will stand up for police and introduce legislation to help officers and provide benefits to families who have lost loved ones in the line of duty. Unless you want your money to go toward lawsuits , take my advice and find another charity to support although preferably one on another list to this one. "As Pennsylvanians look to support [] National Police Support Fund is dedicated to providing a united voice for true Americans who support our nation's law enforcement officers. And some are outright scams. Free online workshop! National Association of Police Athletic/Activities Leagues. generic photos, there is no real content validating that they do anything to actually support the police. (Santa Rosa, Calf.) Mostly they are the products of individual scammers who smell an opportunity to cash in using the name of a victim who may or may not even be real. Similarly, the Police Coalition of America, which promises "to enact positive change and legislation that protects our citizens as well as our law enforcement," spent $530,000 on . How to report a scammer? The organization began as a service program providing mentorship and outreach activities to youth as a way to combat juvenile crime. The organization also participates in advocacy work to emphasize some of the dangers law enforcement officers face, and the sacrifices they make to protect society. The scripts were designed to give the impression that they were helping out officers versus lobbying efforts, he said, adding that the political affiliation was only fully disclosed when someone proactively asked where the money would be going. The safest way to donate on social media or crowdfunding campaign is to give to people you actually know. The International Union of Police Associations, AFL-CIO was formed in 1979 to collectively represent those in law enforcement that are active or retired law enforcement officers to fight to improve, protect, and remember the lives of officers and their families in law enforcement the organization also works to improve legislation that protects and affects public safety officers, as well as representing the needs of law enforcement officers and support personnel, whether that be for better equipment, more staff or a fair wage. In about 7 years (through March 2018), the union and relief fund spent a total of approximately $102.3 million, of which $82.3 million went towards fundraising. Recommended Reading: How To Become A Desk Police Officer, Also Check: Can Police Help Me Unlock My Car. Learn how vehicle tech like blind spot warnings and drowsy driving alerts can help make driving safer. But then she started to worry, especially when she couldn't find the group listed as a charity anywhere online. So have we all. The website soliciting funds for Arpaio says, Liberals have targeted Sheriff Joe Arpaio with a multi-million dollar lawsuit because he was upholding the law of the land. The latter is the name of the PAC I found earlier that had raised $3.2 million in contributions. If they are PACs, the fundraising effort is politically motivated and wont necessarily support San Diego-area officers or deputies or their families. Email Blake Ellis and Melanie Hicken. This Florida-based union touts its federal lobbying efforts on behalf of local members. The website soliciting funds for Arpaio says, Liberals have targeted Sheriff Joe Arpaio with a multi-million dollar lawsuit (that could even result in jail time) because he was upholding the law of the land.. Around 200 consumer complaints have also been made to state and federal regulators about the super PAC, its aliases and related groups. Montana Attorney General Tim Fox posted on Facebook last year about a call he received from Roy on behalf of the National Coalition for Police and Troopers. On each call, my questions about how donations got spent mostly went unanswered. Super PACs generally have far fewer state-level reporting requirements and are regulated by the Federal Election Commission (FEC), which has fewer enforcement options than the IRS. We don't engage in telemarketing. He instead provided me with their national number. Fake joke to start out. It turns out Police and Fire Retirees of Ohio is a legitimate non profit lobbying group, though it is not a charity under IRS rules. 4. The recording says it is "Kenneth Allen from the National Police Support Fund" and they are asking for donations. If you want to donate money for your police or fire department, send your contribution to the local sheriff or chiefs directly. But these telemarketers bombarding our phone lines? I was contacted in Wilton, CT by representatives of the National Police Support Fund. Another useful fact: Organizations that file reports with the FEC have to list a treasurer. Charities face relatively rigorous review from the Internal Revenue Service, and most states require them to register before they can operate there. Also in Massachusetts, a Wilmington police officer received a call soliciting donations. Getting 3 to 5 calls a day from 315-410-0874 phone number. It was raising money using four different police-oriented names (one association, two coalitions and one support fund). First Responders Children's Foundation. Discovery Company. Is National police Support Fund legit? Some telemarketers who claim to be raising money for causes like homeless veterans and cancer victims work for political action committees , not charities, and keep much of the money they raise. For more information, please refer to the IRS definition of Political Organization. Operators who are so susprised it's scam. Virginia incorporation papers show James Fotis is president of the Alliance and changed the name to the Defense Coalition. Here is the BBB caution: https://www.bbb.org/stlouis/news-events/bbb-warnings/2017/national-police-support-fund/, https://www.bbb.org/stlouis/news-events/bbb-warnings/2017/national-police-support-fund/. Three other IUPA executives earned more than $100,000 apiece during fiscal 2017-2018. Now those same anarchists that rioted and assaulted law enforcement officers are using the Taliban playbook by destroying public statues and monuments while advocating for defunding law enforcement agencies, a narrator states in a video from July, as protests continued across the country. About $1.8 million went toward the salaries of union officials, including $199,700 for Cabral, the president. Hispanic Federation (New York City) Abandoned Children's Fund. I later learned the organization is based in Fairfax, VA, and is a political action committee, or PAC. As an example, he cites former Sheriff Joe Arpaio of Maricopa County in Arizona. 2. Among the other warnings: The Miami Township Police in Ohio issued a scam alert in June referencing calls circulating from a Police Officers Support Association asking for credit card donations. The Reading Police Department in Massachusetts described the Police Officers Support Association as a scam charity last year. Sara Kemerer of the . Type of a scam Charity. Busse said he and his sister took over their fathers finances last year. At the end of 2021, robocalls raising money for police groups were the highest-volume phone messages in most major U.S. markets, according to Nomorobo, a robocall-blocking company that works with AARP on fraud prevention. This section is used to influence public opinion in support of the interests of . The application also included the name Police Officers Defense Coalition, as well as the Police Officers Defense Alliance. Here are some things you can do to avoid donating to a fake charity: Pay attention to the charity's name. As our conversation continued, the caller would lower the amount of funding he was requesting. How much do I need to save for retirement? Last month the National Police Association (NPA) filed an ethics complaint against Rachael Rollins, the new district attorney for Suffolk County, Massachusetts (who recently . I asked if the donation was tax-deductible and he said no but could not elaborate as to why that was. Can the police officers count on you?. People are receiving phone scam calls asking for donations to help out local police departments or slain and wounded police offers. He also wanted to highlight law enforcements hard work across the country. Contributions made to National Police Support Fund are not tax-deductible. The source of the funding information was OpenSecrets, a database that tracks spending in U.S. politics run by the Center for Responsive Politics. highest-volume phone messages in most major U.S. markets, A caregiver discovers questionable charities are targeting her parents for their money, Join AARP for just $9 per year when you sign up for a 5-year term -43% off the standard annual rate, Access exclusive discounts, programs, & services, Double down with a FREE second membership. Whether the website is from the same sector as nationalpolicesupportfund.com or not, you can report it to the Federal Trade Commission. POLICING THE MOST DANGEROUS CITY IN THE COUNTRY: What do Chicago's LEO's and citizens think? Get a FREE subscription to AARP The Magazine. I said no i was told I would be sent a pledge form. The Police Unity Tour was founded in 1997 by Patrick Montuore, a police officer from New Jersey. One very common hustle is the name game. To raise awareness of Law Enforcement Officers who have died in the line of duty. The cause sounds worthy: Please support your local firefighters (or police officers), the caller implores. 7:35 AM EDT, Fri October 16, 2020. I again was transferred to another person who wanted my credit card info and stated due to covid they wanted to decrease handling and credit cards was the best way to donate. SCAM: National Police Support Fund donation. UPDATE 2020-10-29: Another new call from 585-206-3552 with a similar pre-recorded voice auto-responder identifying as 'Jeff Scott' with the National Police Support Fund. Woman suspicious after calls to help police. I also learned that they were sued in the biggest FTC case in history. @GunOwners. proudly complies with state regulations and required disclosures. In telemarketing calls, DPSF fundraisers told people that donations would be used for grants to disabled officers and to the families of officers slain in the line of duty. Consumer Protection. This was up from roughly $1 million raised by the group, which was founded in June 2018, in the last six months of the prior election cycle. When a charitys fundraiser calls to ask you for a donation, they have to follow some rules: A: We engage in activities aimed at supporting our law enforcement officers and standing up for their rights and values throughout the political process. The recording says it is "Kenneth Allen from the National Police Support Fund" and they are asking for donations. Up to June 2020, only 2% of the groups spending went toward political activities mainly for advertisements supporting President Donald Trumps reelection, according to data filed with the FEC. One of Fotis websites solicits money for individuals who were guilty of a crime for doing their job the way they were trained to do it. Below are our favorite charities for law enforcement: National Police Foundation. Another law enforcement charity that faced disciplinary action was the American Association of State Troopers, which was fined a total of $321,115 in three states - Georgia, Mississippi and Pennsylvania. For anyone interested in supporting law enforcement, experts say, think local. She verified my information and repeatedly asked me to promise to mail it back as soon as I received it. He seemed okay with it. Fundraising calls are allowed even if your number is on the National Do Not Call Registry. This policy has been repudiated by a significant number of law enforcement leaders, whose experience has led them to conclude that it would make their communities unsafe. The former employee, who asked to remain anonymous because of a nondisclosure agreement, said he remembered fundraising companies outsourcing some of the telemarketing overseas to locations like the Philippines, where they relied on recordings instead of live agents. Police Protection Fund. If the potential donors suspected they had given to the group before, the callers were instructed to say: I have no way of knowing because we feel that donations are given from the heart, not the hand, so we keep all donation records confidential, according to the FAQ. The Police Officers Defense Alliance, for example, raised $3.2 million in 2020, and The American Police Officers Alliance raised $4.3 million. The fund is the third in a series of outrageous attempts by founders David Dierks and Phil LeConte to extort money from generous Americans under the pretext of donations to the nation's police forces. A hustle is like the 70s disco dance. We do not support nor do we condone this group, the post stated. by Michelle Diament, April 2008. Watch out for a new "police support fund" scam. Key battles deserve tight alliances. Use a search engine to look for " your state + charity list ". The fundraisers connection to the charity. The National Police Association advocates Support the Police, and Back the Blue, because Blue Lives Matter. You read that correctly. That same tax year, the International Union of Police Associations gave 10 students pursuing advanced degrees in law enforcement an average of $2,500 apiece.
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