2. But whats the truth. Founded in 1978, NAPO is the strongest unified . The recording says it is "Kenneth Allen from the National Police Support Fund" and they are asking for donations. An IRS report was filed on July 26. : r/Scams. Also Check: How To File A Police Report For Id Theft, You May Like: How Do Police Deal With Homeless. We don't engage in telemarketing. . If your phone rings, it's not us. 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. He initially solicited $95 and eventually said he would accept a $15 contribution as an offer of goodwill on my part. In the wake of tragedies large and small, they pop up like mushrooms after a rain. A union receptionist also confirmed to CNN that the super PAC is run by the union, but union leaders did not respond to repeated calls, voicemails and emails that laid out the concerns from other police departments and donors and asked why so little of the $10 million raised went toward political activities. How a donation will be used, or how much of the donation actually goes to the charitys programs. Many of these names could easily be confused with public charities, such as Autism Speaks, National Association of Police Organizations, or Veterans Assistance Foundation. This Florida-based union touts its federal lobbying efforts on behalf of local members. Groups like Antifa and Black Lives Matter have inspired people to assassinate cops on the street. United Police Fund / National Police Fund scam harassment. The National Police Support Fund is a national political organization organized under Section 527 of the IRS Tax Code. Sadly, it comes down to their choice of words during a pitch; its unlawful to misrepresent how the money will be spent. The robot voice saying the call would be recorded for record purposes sounded so real but it was just him. Published The organization began as a service program providing mentorship and outreach activities to youth as a way to combat juvenile crime. Consumer Protection. A warning tonight about a phone and mail scam asking for donations. But almost no one was helped. Msg&data rates may apply. . Leaving politics aside for a minute, how do you know if those calls are legitimate? The application also included the name Police Officers Defense Coalition, as well as the Police Officers Defense Alliance. It said callers were soliciting support for police officers but that the group was actually connected to a political action committee. Multiple voices could be heard in the background. That means of a $35 donation, no more than $3.50 goes to their stated cause. proudly complies with state regulations and required disclosures. So, the next time you get this call, hang up. Pearl S Buck International's stated purpose is to provide opportunities to explore and appreciate other cultures, build better lives for children around the globe and promote the legacy of our founder by preserving and interpreting her National Historic Landmark home. 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. Read our full report on the organization here, https://bit.ly/3xMbldo. 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. If they are PACs, the fundraising effort is politically motivated and wont necessarily support San Diego-area officers or deputies or their families. 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. This comes at a time when some community activists have been calling for defunding the police. 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.. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. It was found that only 2.7% of donations to the relief fund actually went to the families of fallen officers. The scenario is all too familiar. These callers typically use language that suggests they are charities raising money directly for local police. 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. 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! The pop-up charity business is usually local, occasionally regional and rarely national. Virginia incorporation papers show James Fotis is president of the Alliance and changed the name to the Defense Coalition. 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. We do not support nor do we condone this group, the post stated. I said no i was told I would be sent a pledge form. I feel they abuse their use of the name to maybe convey a false sense to the community about who they are and what they really do with the money.. The National Police Support Fund is a legitimate organization that supports the interests of America's law enforcement officers. FEC filings show that of the group's minimal political spending, most has gone toward pro-Trump advertising such as billboards. Email Blake Ellis and Melanie Hicken. A different privacy policy and terms of service will apply. 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. 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. . 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. Oh, god, she said upon being contacted by CNN and learning how the money was spent, Im supposed to be smart, but boy was I a dope.. The I.U.P.A. 4. Wendy Beckman got a call the other day from a man asking her to help retired police and firefighters. 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. 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.. It sounded like the solicitor was calling from a boiler room, where individuals dial from a list of working phone numbers. 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. Multiple attempted calls from one number. I was contacted in Wilton, CT by representatives of the National Police Support Fund. So have we all. Contact us: contact@knowyourpolice.net, SCAM: National Police Support Fund donation, How To Get Insurance Information From Police Report, Is National Police Association Legitimate, How Many Years Of College To Become A Police Officer, Do You Need A Degree To Become A Police Officer, What Are The Steps To Becoming A Police Officer, How Many Hours To Become A Police Officer, What Education Do I Need To Be A Police Officer, How Do You Know If The Police Are Investigating You. He said he wanted a contribution for the police department and man and women who are fighting to protect us. Key battles deserve tight alliances. Our mission is to promote the interests of our nation's police officers within our nation's political and public policy process. So what happened to the other approximately 33% of . So we can Verify, National Coalition for Police and Troopers is a site owned by a PAC, isn't a charitable organization. The Arizona Fraternal Order of Police is a real organization, but protect yourself and ask questions when you receive calls like these. I asked if the donation was tax-deductible and he said no but could not elaborate as to why that was. Even if you like the idea, how do you know the call is legitimate? (Santa Rosa, Calf.) It's always a variation of the above name. 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 . The National Police Association files amicus brief opposing Oregon's attempt to criminalize law abiding gun owners. 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 International Union of Police Associations and its related organizations go by more than a dozen different names, including the Police Officers Support Association and the National Emergency Responders Coalition. Our free newsletter is delivered at 8 a.m. daily. But whats the truth. 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. In two words, its not. Are the money-gathering techniques these scam PACs use illegal? Andy Cottam is among the many who received the call. Only one replied directly: 90 percent went to fundraising, and 10 percent went to police support. 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. When a solicitor for one of these groups calls a prospective donor the pitch will include the truthful statement that they are a nonprofit organization. Charities face relatively rigorous review from the Internal Revenue Service, and most states require them to register before they can operate there. 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. An image from Law Enforcement For A Safer America PAC's Facebook page. What should we investigate next? The rest of the money has gone primarily to the firms helping it solicit donations including nearly $3 million in payments to one telemarketing company sued by the government last month for allegedly using deceptive tactics. Here are the Top 7 Amazon scam calls. The union is run by a retired police detective, and it is affiliated with the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO), the countrys biggest federation of unions, which did not respond to requests for comment. POLICING THE MOST DANGEROUS CITY IN THE COUNTRY: What do Chicago's LEO's and citizens think? I later learned the organization is based in Fairfax, VA, and is a political action committee, or PAC. Has anyone else recently seen an uptick and calls from various police support organizations? "But I'm sure there are a lot that are not on the level, so you kind of have to be cautious," she said. 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. We warn against them because they come off as supportive of the Greenfield Police Department, or the local police, and yet they do not do anything for us, said police Chief Robert Haigh Jr. These tend to be monies for their own agendas, and not based on the locals. 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. The group's videos have received few views, but money has been pouring in. . In the case of National Police Support Fund, we accept contributions and make expenditures in order to influence the selection, nomination, election, or appointment of candidates to federal, state, and local offices. National Police Support Fund is a national political organization organized under Section 527 of the IRS Tax Code. 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. The fundraisers connection to the charity. Busse said he and his sister took over their fathers finances last year. As our conversation continued, the caller would lower the amount of funding he was requesting. Our officers deserve our respect and support, the Super PACs website reads. American Association of State Troopers claims to support retired state troopers. Whether the website is from the same sector as nationalpolicesupportfund.com or not, you can report it to the Federal Trade Commission. This beacon provides an assessment of a charity's financial health (financial efficiency, sustainability, and trustworthiness) and its commitment to governance practices and policies. 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. The vast majority of donations since 2019 were under $200, meaning the funds came from tens of thousands of donors. Just as you sit down to dinner, the phone rings and the caller asks for a donation. A Warner Bros. The National Policing Institute, a national, Washington, D.C.-based non-profit organization dedicated to advancing policing through science and innovation, has received information from several individuals who have been contacted by solicitors asking for donations in support of the "National Policing Institute," or in some cases the "National Police Fund," which we are not affiliated . . The BBB said days later, the New Jersey State Police photo had been removed from the site. Kids Wish Network, however, spends only 3 cents of every dollar collected on kids. Today, the organization has over 300 chapters across the country working to create positive change in local communities. As an example, he cites former Sheriff Joe Arpaio of Maricopa County in Arizona. Simple web searches can show that the 'charitable organization' calling either 1 .