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Another phone scam in town  Share
Every few months, Roger Blaylock of Beecher receives a phone call from a phone solicitor claiming to represent police or firefighters' charitable organizations. He recently received such a phone call from the ''Police Protective Fund'' which is the most recent phone scam to hit Will County. He asked for the information to be sent to him in the mail and then phoned the Beecher Police Department to ask if the Police Protective Fund was legitimate. He said ''I wanted to make sure they were for real because if Beecher Police call me in another month asking for a donation, I would feel bad if I said that I had just given to them, and they would not know anything about it.'' Just so residents know, the Beecher Police Department does not solicit phone donations and, as it turns out, the ''Police Protective Fund'' is a little more complicated than your average phone scam. The Police Protective Fund is a legitimate charitable organization - exempt from the restrictions of the state and federal ''Do Not Call'' lists. However, there seems to be a very fine line between ''legitimate'' and ''charitable''. Charitable guidelines provide that a charity should at maximum spend no more than 35 percent of its donations on fundraising expenses. The Police Protective Fund's high administrative costs raised red flags for several Consumer Protection officials and prompted warnings about them in several states.
According to reports, more than 90% of the donations taken in by this organization are consumed by overhead, administrative, and fundraising costs. In 2004, 91 percent of all donations were used to pay its management, general expenses and fundraising costs. In the past two reporting years, the Police Protective Fund spent an average of 78 percent of the donations it received to pay fundraising and management expenses. Most local police forces, including Beecher Police Department, have never even heard of the group, let alone received any of the donations sent to the Police Protective Fund on their behalf. Chief Jeff Weissgerber, who is completely against telemarketer solicitations because they receive a huge part of the donations, said he has never heard of them, has never received any funds from them and would never donate to them. ''Especially over the phone. Never give out credit card numbers or make an automatic debit from your checking account. Ask them to send the information for you to review.'' Some who have heard of the Police Protective Fund are the Attorneys General and consumer groups. The organization has been sued in various locations for its questionable practices. And there are many reports of aggressive, belligerent, harassing, and abusive behavior by people making calls on behalf of the organization. The Police Protective Fund encompasses a number of different programs that supposedly aid law-enforcement workers in various ways. One of their programs that receive the most donations is their ''Line-of-Duty Death Benefit.'' Enrollment in this program is absolutely free to any and all law-enforcement officers, and it provides a $10,000 benefit to the beneficiaries of officers killed in the line of duty. In 2006, Police Protective Fund raised $5,938,902 in donations yet awarded only $37,000 in death benefits. In 2007, Police Protective Fund raised $6,881,915 in donations yet awarded $50,000 in death benefits. With residents in many communities willing to help support legitimate public safety charitable organizations, consumers must be alert when choosing to give to a charity just as they are when considering doing business with any merchant. Non-profit status is not an automatic guaranty that an organization is operating without deception. The Police Protective Fund is currently soliciting donations in Will County, using a ''mail drop'' address in Springfield, but on its literature, it also lists a Los Angeles, California, address to contact with any questions. The literature sent out is very user friendly and lists educational programs offered that would appeal to a caring public. Officer Down Crisis Response, The Police Chaplain Project and Survivor Network are programs named to hit an emotional nerve. The Beecher Police Department offers the following tips about charities soliciting by phone: -Ask for written information about the charity, including name, address and telephone number. A legitimate charity or fundraiser will give out information about the charity's mission, how donations will be used and proof that contributions are tax deductible. -Check with local recipients. If giving to local organizations is important to you, make sure they will benefit from your generosity. If a charity tells you that your dollars will support a local organization, such as a fire department, police department or hospital, call the organization to verify the claim. -Watch out for similar sounding names. Some phony charities use names that closely resemble those of respected, legitimate organizations. -Know the difference between ''tax exempt'' and ''tax deductible.'' Tax exempt means the organization doesn't have to pay taxes. Tax deductible means you can deduct your contribution on your federal income tax return. Even if an organization is tax exempt, your contribution may not be tax deductible. If a tax deduction is important to you, ask for a receipt showing the amount of your contribution and stating that it is tax deductible. -Be skeptical if someone thanks you for a pledge you don't remember making. If you have any doubts about whether you've made a pledge or previously contributed, check your records. Be on the alert for invoices claiming you've made a pledge. Some unscrupulous solicitors use this approach to get your money. -Refuse high pressure appeals. Legitimate fundraisers won't push you to give on the spot. -Be wary of charities offering to send a courier or overnight delivery service to collect your donation immediately. -Consider the costs. When buying merchandise or tickets for special events, or when receiving ''free'' goods in exchange for giving, remember that these items cost money and generally are paid for out of your contribution. Although this can be an effective fundraising tool, less money may be available for the charity. It may also affect whether or not you can deduct the donation for tax purpose. -Avoid cash gifts. Cash can be lost or stolen. For security and tax record purposes, it's best to pay by check. -Be aware that charities are exempt from the Federal Trade Commission's Do Not Call Registry. Go to http://www.ftc.gov/donotcall/ for more information. -Check out the charity with these organizations: BBB Wise Giving Alliance, 4200 Wilson Boulevard, Suite 800, Arlington, VA 22203, 703-276-0100 or www.give.org; or the American Institute of Philanthropy, 3450 Lake Shore Drive, Suite 2802 E, Chicago, IL 60657, 773-529-2300 or www.charitywatch.org. If you are looking for a worthy charitable organization, Beecher Police Chief Weissgerber endorses the National Law Officers Memorial Fund which generates increased public support for the law enforcement profession by permanently recording and appropriately commemorating the service and sacrifice of law enforcement officers and provides information that will help promote law enforcement safety. Visit their website at www.nleomf.org/index.htm. Barb Dorman is a reporter for Russell Publications.
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