Illinois residents are being warned about scam calls from the Illinois Sheriffs’ Association. They say that scammers are calling residents and asking them to donate to the “Disabled Police and Sheriffs Foundation.”
This group is not registered with the Illinois Attorney General’s Office according to the Charitable Database, and are not associated with any Illinois Sheriff or legitimate police organization in Illinois.
Fake charities will often solicit donors under multiple names. This scam is also listed as one of the Top 50 Worst Charities by CharityWatch, who says the scam also goes under the name American Police & Sheriffs Association, DPSF and the Police Officers Safety Association.
The Illinois Sheriffs’ Association never solicits donations by phone, and reminds people of these tips:
- Offers too good to be true usually are. Ask to receive the ‘unbelievable deal’ or ‘amazing prize offer’ in writing so you can read it carefully before making a commitment.
- Never give out your personal information over the phone or internet unless you have initiated the contact. Legitimate callers will never ask you for this information over the phone.
- If a caller asks you to pay for an offer in advance or asks you for your credit card number or Social Security number, tell the person you don’t give out personal information and hang up.
- Remember that legitimate telemarketers won’t be turned off if you use these techniques. They will appreciate dealing with an educated consumer. It’s not rude!
