These are Americas heroes. Videos on its site show cities in flames and say that officers have been injured during what the group describes as riots presumably referring to recent Black Lives Matter protests in the wake of the police killing of George Floyd. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. I said I do not donate over the phone, he said I did not need to they would mail me a pledge kit. The first thing I noticed was that I wasnt talking to live people; the answers all sounded scripted and recorded. One hit wonders seeking to cash in on the tragedy of the day from floods and fires to missing children and more. These callers typically use language that suggests they are charities raising money directly for local police. PPF has been sued by regulatory agencies in at least six states, including California, Ohio, Illinois and Missouri, and was fined $463,000. . That way, you avoid all of . AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that empowers people to choose how they live as they age. 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. 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. He organized the Police Unity Tour as a fundraising event to honor members of law enforcement who had lost their lives in the line of service. Getting 3 to 5 calls a day from 315-410-0874 phone number. How to report a scammer? I started rifling through my mail as he gave me the same exact spiel this time saying he represented United Police support fund. . We'll send you the top local news stories every morning at 8 a.m. By clicking subscribe, you agree to share your email address with Times of San Diego to receive our free newsletter and breaking news alerts. I've asked them repeatedly to stop calling this typically results in additional calls back to back from different numbers. A warning tonight about calls targeting people around the Tri-State asking them to help support the police. Copyright 2023 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. Individual officers can also become members, according to its website. 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. We support police officers who risk their lives daily protecting our communities. FEC filings show that of the group's minimal political spending, most has gone toward pro-Trump advertising such as billboards. You are now leaving AARP.org and going to a website that is not operated by AARP. We highly encourage our followers to verify who they are making donations to when contacted for fundraisers.. Javascript must be enabled to use this site. You read that correctly. Asking for donations to the National Police Support Fund. Don't Waste Your Money" is a registered trademark of Scripps Media, Inc. ("Scripps"). As a wife of a police officer this is absolutely disgusting! she stated. Gotten calls like this? The filings dont show how much the groups officials are directly benefiting from the political committee it created, and it is unclear why the group deemed it necessary to create so many different aliases to use for soliciting donations. FEC regulations state that political committees can only deposit a contribution into their account if that money came from a solicitation which expressly states that the contribution will be used in connection with a Federal election or the solicitation discloses that contributions are subject to federal election law. During the pandemic, a plethora of fraudulent websites came out like a plague. Also worth noting is that while his organization is based in Virginia, and gets its mail in Stafford, TX, Fotis lives in Lake Worth, FL. Ive become suspicious after reading what they had to say . What they do: ThePolice Unity Tour raises funds and awareness for members of law enforcement who lost their lives during their service. The calls, which often target elderly donors, come from a variety of generic and similar-sounding aliases: The Police Officers Support Association, the National Emergency Responders Coalition and the National Coalition for Police & Troopers. But their website and solicitations are designed to look and sound like Make a Wish. Please note that many legitimate local (and unaffiliated) police foundations and organizations may solicit donations from local communities via telephone and mail. Law enforcement has a tough enough job without having to put up with charlatans masquerading as heroes. The Arizona Fraternal Order of Police is a real organization, but protect yourself and ask questions when you receive calls like these. 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. He said his father has always leaned heavily Democratic, supported President Barack Obama and previously expressed strong anti-Trump views. The funds raised during their 4-day long ride are donated directly to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund. I asked him if the organization supports Donald Trump. The super PAC said on Facebook in September that it had placed this billboard in multiple locations throughout Wisconsin and that more would be coming. For example, a very well known and respected group is the Make a Wish Foundation. CNN Sans & 2016 Cable News Network. 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. That same tax year, the International Union of Police Associations gave 10 students pursuing advanced degrees in law enforcement an average of $2,500 apiece. National Police Support Fund brings together Americans from all walks of life united under the banner of respect and support of our nation's law enforcement officers. As our conversation continued, the caller would lower the amount of funding he was requesting. Absolutely no legitimate law enforcement backed organization would stoop to this level of begging for money. Multiple voices could be heard in the background. In fact, they count on the confusion to gather contributions. In fact, former employees of these types of fundraisers have testified about how they used soundboard technology to play prerecorded messages as responses, in part so they could talk to several donors at once. Im calling on behalf of the National Save the Police Fund,* the voice on the phone told me. The Committee for Police Officers Defense, the telemarketers who called me, applied for tax exemption in California. Unable to verify the federal tax ID, redirected to a toll-free number. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Your email address will not be published. The result: a rise in super PACs that use sympathetic-sounding causes primarily to line their own pockets (the FEC has called this subset scam PACs). (Santa Rosa, Calf.) 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. Learn about the latest anti-police movement, Download our 2022 police ballot measures analysis, Download our 2022 law enforcement support guide, Virginia Election Ad by National Police Support Fund, Pro-Police Organizations Worked Together to Get Out the Vote & Boosts Conservative Turnout in NoVa, https://nationalpolicesupportfund.com/terms-of-service/. As an example, he cites former Sheriff Joe Arpaio of Maricopa County in Arizona. Get instant access to members-only products and hundreds of discounts, a free second membership, and a subscription toAARP The Magazine. AARP Membership LIMITED TIME FLASH SALE. 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. National Police Support Fund is a national political organization organized under Section 527 of the IRS Tax Code. In this case, the pitch was for money for helping police officers in the continuing war against cops.. "Being that it was a recording right off the bat . Recommended Reading: How To Become A Desk Police Officer, Also Check: Can Police Help Me Unlock My Car. As Smarter Giving notes, what is actually supports is the bank balances of its chief executives. Watch out for a new "police support fund" scam. Sara Kemerer of the Cincinnati BBB says you should look them up at the bureau's website, www.bbb.org, or at Charity Navigator.org, or Guidestar.org. Instead, theyre independent, expenditure-only political action committees, or super PACs. But other charities lie about what they do with donations or how much they spend on programs. It was raising money using four different police-oriented names (one "association," two "coalitions" and one "support fund"). 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. Unless you want your money to go toward lawsuits , take my advice and find another charity to support although preferably one on another list to this one. The NPAs immigration proposalAuthorizing local law enforcement officers to perform federal immigration law enforcement functionsis based on fear-mongering and a clear recipe for abuse and division. The National Police Support Fund has a website and even a Facebook page to make them look legit, but hundreds of articles pop up from sources like the Better Business Bureau, The National Police Foundation and more warning people NOT to donate to this organization. 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.. "So I really want to support the police for what they do.". 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. 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. The latter is the name of the PAC I found earlier that had raised $3.2 million in contributions. "The words police and words firefighter are not trademarked," Kemerer explained, "so it is very easy for scammers to use those names and create fake organizations. The matter now heads to the Senate, where the disapproval resolution may pass if every Republican plus rebellious Democratic Senator Joe Manchin (W.Va.) support the effort. When I googled the fund, a BBB caution was the first result. Instead, theyre independent, expenditure-only political action committees, or super PACs. I did not feel comfortable giving the information over the phone . Help us grow with a monthly contribution. National Police Support Fund representatives have been phoning potential donors in the St. Louis area over the past several weeks, including the wife of a retired police officer who said she . The recording says it is "Kenneth Allen from the National Police Support Fund" and they are asking for donations. Im calling on behalf of the National Save the Police Fund,* the voice on the phone told me. 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.. Super PACs generally have far fewer state-level reporting requirements and are regulated by the Federal Election Commission (FEC), which has fewer enforcement options than the IRS. Many legitimate charities support local firefighters and police, active duty military, and veterans, or their families. A donation of $10, $15 or $25 would help keep . A hustle is like the 70s disco dance. Virginia incorporation papers show James Fotis is president of the Alliance and changed the name to the Defense Coalition. It appears there are a number of nonprofits up and running under the apparent control of Fotis. 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. Soft on Crime groups are targeting record numbers of individual law enforcement officers in law suits for police brutality. Msg&data rates may apply. A: The National Police Support Fund is a grassroots nonprofit political organization founded in 2017 under Section 527 of the IRS tax code. appreciated. 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. This Florida-based union touts its federal lobbying efforts on behalf of local members. 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. Terms & conditions/privacy policy apply https://nationalpolicesupportfund.com/terms-of-service/, Contributions to the National Police Support Fund are not tax deductible. Most of the money raised went to telemarketing 87 percent and other expenses. Another useful fact: Organizations that file reports with the FEC have to list a treasurer. proudly complies with state regulations and required disclosures. 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. First Responders Children's Foundation. And Law Enforcement for a Safer America appears to be cashing in. Charity hustles work the same way. Whether the website is from the same sector as nationalpolicesupportfund.com or not, you can report it to the Federal Trade Commission. Learn how vehicle tech like blind spot warnings and drowsy driving alerts can help make driving safer. These Are the 9 Best Charities for Law Enforcement in 2023. Bass, who set up several other super PACs, declined to comment. Contributions made to National Police Support Fund are not tax-deductible. Recently, the District Attorney's office was made aware of calls from nearby area codes claiming to support local officers injured in the line of duty. Below are a few tips for screening for legitimate charities. As we stated earlier, these 50 charities account for almost $1 Billion in donations. Busse said he and his sister took over their fathers finances last year. With this in mind, the midterm election saw a new partnership between us, the National Police Support Fund, and the. The IRS has pretty broad rules for being a nonprofit organization. The Police Unity Tour was founded in 1997 by Patrick Montuore, a police officer from New Jersey. The calls asking for donations come from aliases like the Police Officers Support Association and The National Coalition for Police & Troopers. Published Write the names of the shady businesses in the comments section below, too. 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. One of the more successful scams is when the scammer poses as one of many charities benefitting Law Enforcement. Our movement is comprised of tens of thousands of Americans from all walks of life who are joined together by their common respect for the rule of law and united in their support for the police officers who put their lives on the line every day in their communities. To raise awareness of Law Enforcement Officers who have died in the line of duty. What should we investigate next? Together, the Law Enforcement Officers Relief Fund and the International Union of Police Associations, AFL-CIO, have spent about $82.3 million 77 percent of their operating expenditures on fundraising services from around 2011 to March 2018, according to a Public Integrity analysis of annual tax returns filed with the Internal Revenue . Other policies that the NPA promotes include aggressive stop-and-frisk tactics and broken windows policingstrategies that have resulted in unconstitutional practices that undermine civil liberties. Getting 3 to 5 calls a day from 315-410-0874 phone number. National Police Support Fund is a grassroots political organization that is committed to aligning the interests and needs of police officers with the public's issues and concerns within the national political process. Not authorized by any candidate or . 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. Just as you sit down to dinner, the phone rings and the caller asks for a donation. He paused for a few seconds and said "okay, bye" and hung up the phone. He of course provided a non-reassuring answer with no defence when the jig was up, and ended the call. He instead provided me with their national number. The Wilmington Police Department has no association with this organization and we have never even heard of them, stated a May release from the department. Its been a tough couple years for local law enforcement. And some are outright scams. They are the tragi-charities. Do police call for donations? I told him that I had some questions for him before I would donate. Instead, their contributions end up with a super PAC, Law Enforcement for a Safer America, which has ties to a controversial union and spends the majority of its money on its own operating costs.

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