For more information, please see our AARP Membership LIMITED TIME FLASH SALE. National Police Support Fund - Alexandria, VA. An elderly man in Trenton, Mi., received a dire letter that warned of the greatest threats to our public safety in our nations history. The I.U.P.A. Instead, theyre independent, expenditure-only political action committees, or super PACs. She said she was told the group was a charity benefiting police and troopers. I also learned that they were sued in the biggest FTC case in history. He said he wanted a contribution for the police department and man and women who are fighting to protect us. FEC filings show that of the group's minimal political spending, most has gone toward pro-Trump advertising such as billboards. Whoops! The I.U.P.A. The latter is the name of the PAC I found earlier that had raised $3.2 million in contributions. The Police Unity Tour was founded in 1997 by Patrick Montuore, a police officer from New Jersey. It was raising money using four different police-oriented names (one association, two coalitions and one support fund). Gotten calls like this? See the metrics below for more information. Getting 3 to 5 calls a day from 315-410-0874 phone number. The solution, the letter says, is clear: Give our law enforcement officers the crime prevention tools they need. Money donated to this group might be used for political purposes and will not be used for direct help to police or troopers, Fox wrote. A special program within the International Union of Police Associations, AFL-CIO.Speaking With One Voice, Moving With One Purpose. According to an analysis by The Center for Public Integrity (CFPI), the names of some of these "scam PACs" are listed below. This would allow me a chance to talk to your wife about considering further contributions. Post has been removed or is no longer public. The rule of law is being eroded in our communities, and we need true Americans to stand up and join voices in support of the public servants who keep us safe. While several recordings uploaded online show that some callers have briefly mentioned the term PAC or have said that the group is supporting efforts to elect lawmakers to advocate for certain issues, the Montana attorney general wasnt the only person to say the group hadnt identified itself as required. And some are outright scams. . In the first half of 2021, this organization reported donations of $4.3 million; expenditures were just under $4.2 million, the bulk of this going to overhead fundraising, lawyers, lead lists and so on. Email Blake Ellis and Melanie Hicken. A secretive political group has been pulling in millions of dollars in recent months amid a growing Blue Lives Matter movement, with a cadre of telemarketers urgently telling Americans that now is the time to support the police and keep them safe. Not authorized by any candidate or . Claire Reiss, 79, said she thought the more than $2,000 she donated would go to injured police and their families, but that she stopped giving away her money when the calls just wouldnt stop. When I asked which state this drive was for, the caller could not answer and instead said it is for a national charity. by Michelle Diament, April 2008. I asked for the number so I could call back after I made my decision and he gave me the 1-866 number and said to call with any questions and thanked me for my time. Give Light and the People Will Find Their Own Way. We are just passing along the information if you get a suspicious call asking for money for police officers.. In a nationwide, federal-state crackdown on fraudulent telemarketers claiming to help police, firefighters, and veterans, the Federal Trade Commission, together with 61 Attorneys General, Secretaries of State, and other law enforcers of 49 states and the District of Columbia, today announced Operation False Charity. One hit wonders seeking to cash in on the tragedy of the day from floods and fires to missing children and more. SCAM: National Police Support Fund donation. A: A 527 political organization is a party committee, association, fund, or other organization organized and operated primarily for the purpose of directly or indirectly accepting contributions or making expenditures for an exempt function. Videos on Law Enforcement for a Safer America's website show cities in flames and say that officers have been injured during what the group describes as riots. Follow John on Instagram @johnmataresemoney, For more consumer news and money saving advice, go to www.dontwasteyourmoney.com. While there are no requirements dictating the percentage of money that must go toward political activities, campaign finance expert Rob Pyers has dubbed the group a Scam PAC because of its high operating expenses and negligible political spending. Consumer Protection. The latter is the name of the PAC I found earlier that had raised $3.2 million in contributions. If you get one of these calls, do not donate money just hang . On each call, my questions about how donations got spent mostly went unanswered. Just want you notified that they are calling on area code 203 #s in CT now. Tax records show the Fotis organization that phoned me raised $75,000 in 2021, up from $50,000 the year before. Your effort and contribution in providing this feedback is much again. Learn how vehicle tech like blind spot warnings and drowsy driving alerts can help make driving safer. The union has previously come under fire for hiring allegedly deceptive telemarketers and costly fundraising efforts that benefited its own organization and a police charity it operates. 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. Why does this matter? With the generous support of readers like you, Times of San Diego publishes timely and accurate news coverage for a better-informed community. Many legitimate charities support local firefighters and police, active duty military, and veterans, or their families. An IRS report was filed on July 26. Copyright 2023 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. The organization began as a service program providing mentorship and outreach activities to youth as a way to combat juvenile crime. The safest way to donate on social media or crowdfunding campaign is to give to people you actually know. Can the police officers count on you?. 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. First Responders Children's Foundation. 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. The Better Business Bureau is warning about an organization that calls itself the National Police Support Fund which, despite soliciting contributions from St. Louis-area donors, isn't . On its donate page, the NPA boasts of its work to preserve the American way of life and fight back against cop-haters. The answer is that, in many cases, these arent charities at all. Watch out for a new "police support fund" scam. generic photos, there is no real content validating that they do anything to actually support the police. On 11/4 another local call came it was the same man! Read Also: How Do You Know If The Police Are Investigating You. Only one replied directly: 90 percent went to fundraising, and 10 percent went to police support. They would have soundboards with prerecorded bits that would play and give the impression they were talking to a live person but in reality it was just someone playing bits off a soundboard, he said. Virginia incorporation papers show James Fotis is president of the Alliance and changed the name to the Defense Coalition. Fundraising calls are allowed even if your number is on the National Do Not Call Registry. : r/Scams. The Better Business Bureau says if anyone calls or knocks asking you to help the police, the best thing you can do is ask them for information before you agree to donate. Im calling on behalf of the National Save the Police Fund,* the voice on the phone told me. Msg&data rates may apply. I did not feel comfortable giving the information over the phone . The groups videos have received few views, but money has been pouring in. Tax filings also show that the union operates its own call center and that a company the union controls purchased a nearly 20,000 square foot office building valued at more than $2.5 million, where the union is now based. Local organizations that raise money on behalf of San Diego law enforcement include: Star/Pal for San Diego Police, which provides educational and recreational services for inner-city youth, and the San Diego County Deputy Sheriffs Foundation, which provides support services for sheriffs personnel and families. This person spoke broken english and told me to donate using credit card. Privacy Policy. With everything that's happening this pandemic year, people are getting more and more calls to support their local police. Our grassroots organization was formed under Section 527 of the Internal Revenue Code, which allows us to engage in political activity. 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. At the end of 2021, robocalls raising money for police groups were thehighest-volume phone messages in most major U.S. markets, according to Nomorobo, a robocall-blocking company that works with AARP on fraud prevention. The Police Officers Defense Alliance, for example, raised $3.2 million in 2020, and The American Police Officers Alliance raised $4.3 million. 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 . But as I learned, these callers are masters at evading any such disclosure. They are the tragi-charities. What they do: The National Association of Police Athletic/Activities League aims to minimize juvenile crime through outreach programs that pair officers with youth. As Smarter Giving notes, what is actually supports is the bank balances of its chief executives. Cookie Notice The Greenfield, Massachusetts, police department warned about the group last year as well. Recommended Reading: How To Become A Desk Police Officer, Also Check: Can Police Help Me Unlock My Car. Government documents show that the founding treasurer is currently an executive at the International Union of Police Associations. "So I really want to support the police for what they do.". The PTRF/LEORF was created to provide specialized relief when, tragically, a law enforcement officer is killed in the line-of-duty or seriously injured in . 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. Virginia incorporation papers show James Fotis is president of the Alliance and changed the name to the Defense Coalition. Political organizations including both the Democratic and Republican parties are nonprofits. 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. 2023 Cable News Network. HARRISBURG Attorney General Josh Shapiro is warning Pennsylvanians to be on the lookout for bogus fundraising calls that purport to benefit the families of Martin F. Mack and Branden T. Sisca, the two fallen Pennsylvania State Police troopers tragically killed in the line of duty on I-95 South in Philadelphia. One very common hustle is the name game. Here are a few ideas to help you give safely: Con artists refer to what they do as a hustle. National Police Defense Foundation has earned a 81% for the Accountability & Finance beacon. We highly encourage our followers to verify who they are making donations to when contacted for fundraisers.. proudly complies with state regulations and required disclosures. Also Check: How To File A Police Report For Id Theft, You May Like: How Do Police Deal With Homeless. 2. I've asked them repeatedly to stop calling this typically results in additional calls back to back from different numbers. Contributions made to National Police Support Fund are not tax-deductible. 7:35 AM EDT, Fri October 16, 2020. American Association of State Troopers claims to support retired state troopers. As a result, he had a positive outlook on military and all law enforcement officers, Busse said, but he never expressed any particular interest in supporting the police through financial donations.. Operators who are so susprised it's scam. Whether the website is from the same sector as nationalpolicesupportfund.com or not, you can report it to the Federal Trade Commission. Especially after a tragedy or military-related event, fundraisers and causes show up on social media and people create crowdfunding campaigns to help those affected. Law Enforcement for a Safer America does not disclose on its website who is running the super PAC, but public filings reveal that leaders of one of the countrys largest police unions are pulling the strings. He could not answer. Nonprofit however does not mean they are a charity. Free online workshop! You read that correctly. 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. Eagerly he asked if I was comfortable with that amount. A charity is only one type of nonprofit. Once it was blocked through my service provider, an additional phone number began to call my home multiple times a day. Did you encounter any technical issues? Has anyone else recently seen an uptick and calls from various police support organizations? proudly complies with state regulations and required disclosures. AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that empowers people to choose how they live as they age. The National Police Association is a 501(C)3 non-profit organization, IRS NTEE classification code B01, Alliance/Advocacy Organizations, within the Educational . I was contacted in Wilton, CT by representatives of the National Police Support Fund. A: The National Police Support Fund is a grassroots nonprofit political organization founded in 2017 under Section 527 of the IRS tax code. The usual claiming they were legitimate. Jessica Levinson, a Loyola Law School professor specializing in campaign finance and political corruption, said the fact that the super PAC had spent such a huge proportion of its contributions on its own expenses was jaw dropping and that it was equally concerning to hear that fundraisers were going after the elderly who they may consider easy marks.. 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. I looked up one called Law Enforcement for a Safer America PAC, which seemed to be especially active, based on Nomorobos monitoring. California resident Kellie Van Westen, 69, said she has family members who are law enforcement officers and that she believed the roughly $1,400 she donated since 2019 would help bolster local police budgets and pay for equipment to keep them safe.. They count on local press coverage and a quick website. 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. These callers typically use language that suggests they are charities raising money directly for local police. Clint Bates. The IRS has pretty broad rules for being a nonprofit organization. National Police Association Inc. has earned a 60% for the Accountability & Finance beacon. 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. We don't engage in telemarketing. Gas station secured small business bailout money, then paid for Trump billboards, After learning from CNN that his 92-year-old father had given $1,200 to the super PAC, Curt Busse said that the donations were made as his fathers cognitive skills declined, making him a prime target for telemarketers. The recording says it is "Kenneth Allen from the National Police Support Fund" and they are asking for donations. See the metrics below for more information. While some donors believe they are donating to . During the pandemic, a plethora of fraudulent websites came out like a plague. How a donation will be used, or how much of the donation actually goes to the charitys programs. Three calls to his Virginia office for comment have gone unanswered as well as an email sent directly to his address listed in his filings with California. The first thing I noticed was that I wasnt talking to live people; the answers all sounded scripted and recorded. But these telemarketers bombarding our phone lines? These Are the 9 Best Charities for Law Enforcement in 2023. He of course provided a non-reassuring answer with no defence when the jig was up, and ended the call. Absolutely no legitimate law enforcement backed organization would stoop to this level of begging for money. It also concerned him that so many prospects were elderly. . The organization also has a Gold Seal of Transparency from GuideStar. he transferred me to check my address. For the record, on their website, it never calls itself a charity or non . Wendy Beckman got a call the other day from a man asking her to help retired police and firefighters. The organization began as a service program providing mentorship and outreach activities to youth as a way to combat juvenile crime. 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. So have we all. 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. In a complaint to the Federal Trade Commission, another woman, whose name was redacted, said she received multiple calls from the National Coalition for Police and Troopers, one of the super PACs various aliases. Police Protection Fund. The calls asking for donations come from aliases like the Police Officers Support Association and The National Coalition for Police & Troopers. Discovery Company. Contributions are not tax deductible. 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/. With this in mind, the midterm election saw a new partnership between us, the National Police Support Fund, and the. So have we all. Here are the Top 7 Amazon scam calls. We use the funds raised from these activities to support elected officials, candidates, and organizations whose goals and values align with our own. @GunOwners. Terms & conditions/privacy policy apply https://nationalpolicesupportfund.com/terms-of-service/, Contributions to the National Police Support Fund are not tax deductible. "My brother was a police officer, my cousin was a cop and one of my sons is a cop," she said. Are the money-gathering techniques these scam PACs use illegal? As a wife of a police officer this is absolutely disgusting! she stated. He gave a range of donations to be made . The first thing I noticed was that I wasnt talking to live people; the answers all sounded scripted and recorded. The call came to Get Gephardt to investigate who exactly it is that's making those calls. A Warner Bros. One Daughters Fight Against Charity Fraud, Exclusive Walgreens Cash rewards for members, AARP Travel Center Powered by Expedia: Vacation Packages, Members save when booking a flight vacation package, AARP Identity Theft Protection powered by Norton, Up to 53% off comprehensive protection plans, AARP Online Fitness powered by LIFT session, Customized workouts designed around your goals and schedule, SAVE MONEY WITH THESE LIMITED-TIME OFFERS. The fund is a real nonprofit organization, but it is a political group created "primarily to influence the selection, nomination, election, appointment or defeat of candidates to federal, state or local public office. As we stated earlier, these 50 charities account for almost $1 Billion in donations. (Santa Rosa, Calf.) The National Police Support Fund is a legitimate organization that supports the interests of America's law enforcement officers. For example, in the tax year that ended March 2018, the Law Enforcement Officers Relief Fund gave 11 families an average of $6,545 apiece. Multiple attempted calls from one number. On 12/30/2018, I received a call from (862) 333-2411 from a man with a deep voice and a southern accent, who identified himself as Dan, if I would like to make a donation to the National Police Trust Fund. If you require additional information, then call us 1-800-247-4872 or email us at: [email protected] Your contribution is very much appreciated and although the International Union of Police Association is recognized as a non-profit by the IRS, due to its particular status (501 (c) 5), donations are not tax . KENNER, LA (WVUE) - The Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office warns of a scam from the "American Police Officers Alliance" asking for donations for law enforcement. In researching the organizations, I discovered numerous similar-sounding names for PACs raising funds for police officers. The group's videos have received few views, but money has been pouring in. Hispanic Federation (New York City) Abandoned Children's Fund. I told him that I had some questions for him before I would donate. National Association of Police Athletics/Activities League. If you have been contacted via telephone and asked to make donations to the National Police Foundation in Washington, D.C., this is a scam. If you require additional information, then call us 1-800-247-4872 or email us at: Your contribution is very much appreciated and although the International Union of Police Association is recognized as a non-profit by the IRS, due to its particular status 5), donations are not tax deductible pursuant to IRC 170(c. A copy of our latest financial report may be obtained by writing to: The International Union of Police Associations, 5632 Bee Ridge Road, Suite 200 Sarasota, FL . A different privacy policy and terms of service will apply. Do police call for donations? This particular super PACs treasurer is a former cop who was arrested for stealing $50,000 from the police union for which he served as president. He could not answer. 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. It only means they do not seek to make a profit on their activities. Our mission is to promote the interests of our nation's police officers within our nation's political and public policy process. The Police and Troopers Relief Foundation (PTRF) is a special program within the Law Enforcement Officers Relief Fund (LEORF), established by the International Union of Police Associations. Read Also: What Are The Steps To Becoming A Police Officer. A donation of $10, $15 or $25 would help keep . We are entering the crucial last minutes of our ongoing struggle to defend police officers. AiThority Interview with Lori Anne, Director of Product Development & Management at Verizon, Branded Caller ID: The Pros And Cons In The Battle Against Phone Scams, A New Scam Is Making the Rounds Just in Time for Tax Season, Smishing: The new year is here and so are new scams. And it's very easy to catch the eye of someone.". 25% off sitewide and 30% off select items. The call was spoofed to appear to be from [a] Montana phone number, he wrote, noting that the caller did not identify the group as a political action committee, or super PAC, and telling his followers that it was not a nonprofit so donations are not tax deductible. appreciated. Our free newsletter is delivered at 8 a.m. daily. Alexandria, VA. National Police Support Fund and United Police Fund came together this November to urge Northern Virginians to get out the vote in, National Police Support Fund, Inc.Office/Mailing Address:2800 Eisenhower Drive Suite 220Alexandria, VA 22314, Donation Processing Center:PO Box 26248Alexandria, VA 22313-2648, Phone: (571) 364-6520Email: info@nationalpolicesupportfund.com, By providing your phone number, you are consenting to receive calls and SMS/MMS msgs, including autodialed and automated calls and texts using prerecorded voice, to that number from the National Police Support Fund. 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. Charity hustles work the same way. She had noticed the term PAC on receipts she received in the mail but thought that meant the charities were working together and had a pact to support the police cause she believed in. On each call, my questions about how donations got spent mostly went unanswered. The application also included the name Police Officers Defense Coalition, as well as the Police Officers Defense Alliance. It sounded like the solicitor was calling from a boiler room, where individuals dial from a list of working phone numbers. 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.