Telemarketing fraud is a multi-billion dollar business, with thousands of people getting scammed every year - many losing their entire life savings. Phone scams can be disguised as anything from prize offers to phony charities, which the Mesa Police Association (MPA) is currently battling. The MPA recently got wind of a telephone scam pressuring people to make charitable contributions to support the Association.
"We want to advise the community that the MPA is not making or endorsing these solicitations," said MPA Vice President Julie Shelley. "Anyone receiving a phone call asking for donations on behalf of the MPA is urged to call your local police department immediately," Julie adds. The MPA is supported by membership dues, & will never solicit the public for money either on the phone.
To ensure that community members do not fall victim to these types of scams, the MPA offers these tips for protecting yourself:
• Legitimate organizations will not pressure you to make a decision immediately.
• Do you research - Get all the information before you decide to buy.
• Never send cash, you may lose your right to file charges.
• Check out unsolicited offers with the Better Business Bureau.
• Never, ever give your credit card, checking account, or social security number to unknown callers.
• Remember that legitimate law enforcement officers will never ask for money or personal information over the phone in order to "help" you.
Telephone scams soliciting consumers to make charitable donations are especially distressing & in extremely bad taste because the community at large wants to help out those less fortunate. These con artists will often pressure you to make a donation immediately, but will refuse to send you information so you can check them out. If you want to help your community, contact your local police & fire departments, schools, or other organizations in the area to offer your assistance directly.
Rest assured that the MPA & the Mesa Police Department is working around the clock to find out who is responsible for these calls so they can stop them immediately. In the interim, the best defense for the public is to be wary of telephone solicitations that sound too good to be true, as they likely are.
Founded in 1989, the MPA's mission is to promote the positive role of Law Enforcement Professionals, & to protect & secure rights & benefits for our members through effective representation with local, state, & national governments. The organization is currently the largest association representing active Mesa Police Officers.