is national police support fund legit

If you are still not sure if your money is really going to the cause, call your local police or fire department and ask how you can donate to them. Theres just one week to go before the midterm election. 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. We support police officers who risk their lives daily protecting our communities. Sara Kemerer of the . I found a few small line items labeled legislative services, but none that appeared to go directly to supporting police. Charity hustles work the same way. Have a problem?Send me an email, at jmatarese@wcpo.com or message me on Facebook. 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. These callers typically use language that suggests they are charities raising money directly for local police. 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. appreciated. Type of a scam Charity. So have we all. These callers typically use language that suggests they are charities raising money directly for local police. Below are a few tips for screening for legitimate charities. Discovery Company. National Police Defense Foundation has earned a 81% for the Accountability & Finance beacon. Campaign finance data, however, shows that about 98% of the money spent is not being used for this mission. I confronted him that if they were legit, why it was that they are labeled as a scam operation. 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. Marine Toys for Tots Foundation (Triangle, Va.) Committee for Missing Children (Lawrenceville, Ga.) Prevent Child . For anyone interested in supporting law enforcement, experts say, think local. Consumer Protection. It appears there are a number of nonprofits up and running under the apparent control of Fotis. We won't use your email for any other purpose, and you can opt out at any time via an unsubscribe link. Home - NPTA Donations CONSUMER ALERT: AG Shapiro Warns of Scams Related to Donations for Pro-Police Organization Isn't a Legit Charity, BBB Warns He of course provided a non-reassuring answer with no defence when the jig was up, and ended the call. There have been calls circulating from a Police Officers Support Association asking for credit card donations. Watch out for a new "police support fund" scam - FourStatesHomepage.com 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. What they do: ThePolice Unity Tour raises funds and awareness for members of law enforcement who lost their lives during their service. 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. First Responders Children's Foundation. Recommended Reading: How To Become A Desk Police Officer, Also Check: Can Police Help Me Unlock My Car. The organization also participates in advocacy work to emphasize some of the dangers law enforcement officers face, and the sacrifices they make to protect society. 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. Once it was blocked through my service provider, an additional phone number began to call my home multiple times a day. In about 7 years (through March 2018), the union and relief fund spent a total of approximately $102.3 million, of which $82.3 million went towards fundraising. 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. proudly complies with state regulations and required disclosures. This beacon provides an assessment of a charity's financial health (financial efficiency, sustainability, and trustworthiness) and its commitment to governance practices and policies. As a wife of a police officer this is absolutely disgusting! she stated. Donations have surged to a 'scam' political group that claims - CNN 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. Terms & conditions/privacy policy apply https://nationalpolicesupportfund.com/terms-of-service/, Contributions to the National Police Support Fund are not tax deductible. Also Check: How To File A Police Report For Id Theft, You May Like: How Do Police Deal With Homeless. "I got burned a couple of years ago when I found out another charity I was contributing to was not a real charity, so I thought I should probably check this one out," Beckman said. Big corporations dispute sponsoring a Florida police charity that Police charity imposters: Watch out for donation scam phone calls - WITI Instead, theyre independent, expenditure-only political action committees, or super PACs. Even if you like the idea, how do you know the call is legitimate? Join AARP for just $9 per yearwhen you sign up for a 5-year term. I again was transferred to another person who wanted my credit card info and stated due to covid they wanted to decrease handling and credit cards was the best way to donate. Many donors say they believed they were supporting a charity that helps local officers. It also concerned him that so many prospects were elderly. Gotten calls like this? Verify: Law enforcement charity phone calls - KSDK 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. Around 200 consumer complaints have also been made to state and federal regulators about the super PAC, its aliases and related groups. I told him I did not have any money to donate at the moment. You can find more information about "who is the National Police Support . I recently took about a dozen of these police-support calls to hear the pitches. The Committee for Police Officers Defense, the telemarketers who called me, applied for tax exemption in California. Political organizations including both the Democratic and Republican parties are nonprofits. At least seven local police departments from around the country and a state attorney general have issued scam alerts and other notices about these fundraising efforts, warning residents in their communities as recently as this summer that they have no affiliation with this group. The National Association of Police Athletic/Activities League was founded in 1940 and is headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina. Last month the National Police Association (NPA) filed an ethics complaint against Rachael Rollins, the new district attorney for Suffolk County, Massachusetts (who recently . California Proposition 25 Defeated, Thanks in Part to Local Efforts National Police Grassroots Organization Releases 2022 Law Enforcement Watch out for a new "police support fund" scam. Multiple voices could be heard in the background. 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. Give Light and the People Will Find Their Own Way. Getting 3 to 5 calls a day from 315-410-0874 phone number. 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. Here are some things you can do to avoid donating to a fake charity: Pay attention to the charity's name. 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. In this case, the pitch was for money for helping police officers in the continuing war against cops.. The Police Are Always Asking For Money But Where Does That Money Go I told him that I had some questions for him before I would donate. Read Also: What Are The Steps To Becoming A Police Officer. In fact, they count on the confusion to gather contributions. 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. It also transferred $30,000 to another pro-police super PAC that the union operates, based on the officers listed on its filings. 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. The call came to Get Gephardt to investigate who exactly it is that's making those calls. See the metrics below for more information. National Police Support Fund 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. I started rifling through my mail as he gave me the same exact spiel this time saying he represented United Police support fund. AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that empowers people to choose how they live as they age. National Association of Police Organizations :: Home - NAPO He said his father served in the Navy for nearly two decades and was always proud of his service. The robot voice saying the call would be recorded for record purposes sounded so real but it was just him. A special program within the International Union of Police Associations, AFL-CIO.Speaking With One Voice, Moving With One Purpose. He gave a range of donations to be made . Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. Andy Cottam is among the many who received the call. But their website and solicitations are designed to look and sound like Make a Wish. 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. 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. Now, the last thing I want to do is discourage you from giving to causes you care about, like supporting police. . 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. Continuously redirected to the toll free number provided which cut out each time it was listed. Investigation: Is National Police Support Fund actually a massive scam Enter address: This website, like most media sites, uses small files called cookies to anonymously customize the advertising that you see. As an example, he cites former Sheriff Joe Arpaio of Maricopa County in Arizona. The latter is the name of the PAC I found earlier that had raised $3.2 million in contributions. Our grassroots organization was formed under Section 527 of the Internal Revenue Code, which allows us to engage in political activity. Your email address will not be published. National Police Association Inc. has earned a 60% for the Accountability & Finance beacon. So we can Verify, National Coalition for Police and Troopers is a site owned by a PAC, isn't a charitable organization. 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. POLICING THE MOST DANGEROUS CITY IN THE COUNTRY: What do Chicago's LEO's and citizens think? Learn how vehicle tech like blind spot warnings and drowsy driving alerts can help make driving safer. Authorities issue warning about pro-police mail scam - The Union Tax records show the Fotis organization that phoned me raised $75,000 in 2021, up from $50,000 the year before. But none of the money being raised actually goes to police departments, according to government records. We use the funds raised from these activities to support elected officials, candidates, and organizations whose goals and values align with our own. 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 don't engage in telemarketing. nationalpolicesupportfund.com Review - Scam Detector Woman calls out scammer after hearing about it on the news The website soliciting funds for Arpaio says, Liberals have targeted Sheriff Joe Arpaio with a multi-million dollar lawsuit because he was upholding the law of the land. National Association of Police Athletics/Activities League. 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. Post has been removed or is no longer public. Your effort and contribution in providing this feedback is much Super PACs are able to raise unlimited amounts of money, which they can use to advocate for political candidates or causes. 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. In the wake of tragedies large and small, they pop up like mushrooms after a rain. Follow John on Instagram @johnmataresemoney, For more consumer news and money saving advice, go to www.dontwasteyourmoney.com. Kids Wish Network, however, spends only 3 cents of every dollar collected on kids. 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The recording says it is "Kenneth Allen from the National Police Support Fund" and they are asking for donations. And Law Enforcement for a Safer America appears to be cashing in. But almost no one was helped. 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. Only one replied directly: 90 percent went to fundraising, and 10 percent went to police support. I said no i was told I would be sent a pledge form. 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. Whoops! Each organization says it is spending money for police officers being abused and unfairly targeted. 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. 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. But other charities lie about what they do with donations or how much they spend on programs. 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. CNN Sans & 2016 Cable News Network. A: The National Police Support Fund is a grassroots nonprofit political organization founded in 2017 under Section 527 of the IRS tax code. 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/. The recording says it is "Kenneth Allen from the National Police Support Fund" and they are asking for donations. . 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. I came across ScamPulse.com warning people about donating to the NPSF . 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. 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 . AARP Membership - LIMITED TIME FLASH SALE. Wow! Fake joke to start out. The answer is that, in many cases, these arent charities at all. "The National Police Support Fund is neither a 501(c)3 nor a 501(c)4 organization, but rather a political organization organized under Section 527 of the IRS Tax Code. As Smarter Giving notes, what is actually supports is the bank balances of its chief executives. Find Best Charities To Donate | Charity Ratings, Reviews National Police Association | Educating supporters of law enforcement As we stated earlier, these 50 charities account for almost $1 Billion in donations. Donations have surged to a 'scam' political group that claims - CBS58 Entire local police unions, which negotiate collective bargaining agreements for their members, can choose to affiliate with the group. Do police call for donations? This section is used to influence public opinion in support of the interests of . 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). 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. National Police Support Fund | Alexandria VA - Facebook Ways to contribute: You can contribute to the Police Unity Tour by donating through their website. This comes at a time when some community activists have been calling for "defunding" the police. FTC Announces Operation False Charity Law Enforcement Sweep The I.U.P.A. This comes at a time when some community activists have been calling for defunding the police. These Are the 9 Best Charities for Law Enforcement in 2023. Contributions are not tax deductible. Published Getting 3 to 5 calls a day from 315-410-0874 phone number. He initially solicited $95 and eventually said he would accept a $15 contribution as an offer of goodwill on my part. Now those same anarchists that rioted and assaulted law enforcement officers are using the Taliban playbook by destroying public statues and monuments while advocating for defunding law enforcement agencies, a narrator states in a video from July, as protests continued across the country. 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. The National Police Support Fund is a national political organization organized under Section 527 of the IRS Tax Code. Ask for information, check sites like Charitynavigator.org and then if it all checks out, write that check. Their impact and transparency ratings: The National Association of Police Athletic/Activities League has an Accountability and Transparency score of 92 out of 100 from Charity Navigator. United Police Fund / National Police Fund scam harassment. If you get one of these calls, do not donate money just hang . Spokane-area residents question calls from national police - KREM Is The National Police Support Fund Legitimate Charities face relatively rigorous review from the Internal Revenue Service, and most states require them to register before they can operate there. Can the police officers count on you?. If you want fundraisers to stop calling, ask them to put you on the charitys do not call list. National Police Support Fund Encourages Citizens to Pledge - Officer FAQs: Who is the National Police Support Fund? 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/. 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. Please do your homework and avoid scams and misleading appeals for your hard-earned money.. Police Protection Fund. 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. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Your email address will not be published. You read that correctly. The vast majority of donations since 2019 were under $200, meaning the funds came from tens of thousands of donors.