is national police support fund legit

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! I later learned the organization is based in Fairfax, VA, and is a political action committee, or PAC. To raise awareness of Law Enforcement Officers who have died in the line of duty. Wow! 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. 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. The I.U.P.A. As Smarter Giving notes, what is actually supports is the bank balances of its chief executives. Trump billboards along a desert stretch of highway near the border of California and Arizona were paid for by a small business that received a federal loan. First Responders Children's Foundation. National Police Association Inc. has earned a 60% for the Accountability & Finance beacon. 4. He also wanted to highlight law enforcements hard work across the country. A Warner Bros. Law enforcement has a tough enough job without having to put up with charlatans masquerading as heroes. Unable to verify the federal tax ID, redirected to a toll-free number. 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 . Learn more about how we use cookies in our cookie policy. The scenario is all too familiar. Your effort and contribution in providing this feedback is much Has anyone else recently seen an uptick and calls from various police support organizations? Whoops! That means of a $35 donation, no more than $3.50 goes to their stated cause. The application also included the name Police Officers Defense Coalition, as well as the Police Officers Defense Alliance. Charity hustles work the same way. The funds raised during their 4-day long ride are donated directly to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund. An image from Law Enforcement For A Safer America PAC's Facebook page. I asked him if the organization supports Donald Trump. Terms & conditions/privacy policy apply https://nationalpolicesupportfund.com/terms-of-service/, Contributions to the National Police Support Fund are not tax deductible. If you want to donate money for your police or fire department, send your contribution to the local sheriff or chiefs directly. 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. On 11/4 another local call came it was the same man! Required fields are marked *. But none of the money being raised actually goes to police departments, according to government records. A warning tonight about calls targeting people around the Tri-State asking them to help support the police. This all looks very peculiar, said Richard Briffault, a professor at Columbia Law School who specializes in campaign finance. Super PACs are able to raise unlimited amounts of money, which they can use to advocate for political candidates or causes. January 11, 2019. The FTC and charity regulators and law enforcement officials in every state have teamed up on more than 100 actions against dozens of fake charities, which have collected tens of millions of . Here are the Top 7 Amazon scam calls. 2023 Cable News Network. Ive become suspicious after reading what they had to say . That means of a $35 donation, no more than $3.50 goes to their stated cause, highest-volume phone messages in most major U.S. markets. President Trump pardoned the sheriff even after the Department of Justice described Arpaio as being responsible for the worst case of racial profiling in U.S. history. Here are some things you can do to avoid donating to a fake charity: Pay attention to the charity's name. I also learned that they were sued in the biggest FTC case in history. A charity is only one type of nonprofit. Many of these names could easily be confused with public charities, such as Autism Speaks, National Association of Police Organizations, or Veterans Assistance Foundation. When I googled the fund, a BBB caution was the first result. 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. 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. "My brother was a police officer, my cousin was a cop and one of my sons is a cop," she said. 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. It only means they do not seek to make a profit on their activities. Marine Toys for Tots Foundation (Triangle, Va.) Committee for Missing Children (Lawrenceville, Ga.) Prevent Child . Get instant access to members-only products and hundreds of discounts, a free second membership, and a subscription toAARP The Magazine. Stated that donations were not tax-deductible. He said he wanted a contribution for the police department and man and women who are fighting to protect us. In the wake of tragedies large and small, they pop up like mushrooms after a rain. These charities usually rake in a few thousand dollars and disappear. And that is likely the point. 4 talking about this. What should we investigate next? 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 . If you want fundraisers to stop calling, ask them to put you on the charitys do not call list. Quoting from its website, the Committee for Police Officers Defense is a 527 Committee designed to seek out radical prosecutors, judges and district attorneys. Another organization is named on the website as well The Police Officers Defense Coalition. It also concerned him that so many prospects were elderly. 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. Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. 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. The first thing I noticed was that I wasnt talking to live people; the answers all sounded scripted and recorded. Our movement is comprised of tens of thousands of Americans from all walks of life who are joined together by their common . The Committee for Police Officers Defense, the telemarketers who called me, applied for tax exemption in California. Simple: less scrutiny. These callers typically use language that suggests they are charities raising money directly for local police. About $1.8 million went toward the salaries of union officials, including $199,700 for Cabral, the president. Javascript must be enabled to use this site. The National Police Association advocates Support the Police, and Back the Blue, because Blue Lives Matter. Contributions made to National Police Support Fund are not tax-deductible. Even if you like the idea, how do you know the call is legitimate? He paused for a few seconds and said "okay, bye" and hung up the phone. If they are PACs, the fundraising effort is politically motivated and wont necessarily support San Diego-area officers or deputies or their families. She said she was told the group was a charity benefiting police and troopers. By accepting all cookies, you agree to our use of cookies to deliver and maintain our services and site, improve the quality of Reddit, personalize Reddit content and advertising, and measure the effectiveness of advertising. National Police Defense Foundation has earned a 81% for the Accountability & Finance beacon. Nonprofit however does not mean they are a charity. The National Police Support Fund is a national coalition committed to promoting the interests of America's. What can we learn from the latest Coinbase cyberattack? 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. 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. He initially solicited $95 and eventually said he would accept a $15 contribution as an offer of goodwill on my part. We strive to engage the public through political grassroots activity to support political interests that promote officer's interests. Its been a tough couple years for local law enforcement. 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. 7:35 AM EDT, Fri October 16, 2020. 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). Are the money-gathering techniques these scam PACs use illegal? 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. A donation of $10, $15 or $25 would help keep . National Police Support Fund is dedicated to providing a united voice for true Americans who support our nation's law enforcement officers. 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. 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. The group's videos have received few views, but money has been pouring in. In this case, the pitch was for money for helping police officers in the continuing war against cops.. Getting 3 to 5 calls a day from 315-410-0874 phone number. 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. Type of a scam Charity. 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. Not authorized by any candidate or candidates committee.Paid for by National Police Support Fund, Inc. |Privacy & Refund Policy| Sitemap, Biggest Issues Facing Police Officers Today. What they do: ThePolice Unity Tour raises funds and awareness for members of law enforcement who lost their lives during their service. Multiple attempted calls from one number. The first one, the texh . Operators who are so susprised it's scam. BIRMINGHAM, Alabama - From unmarked strip-mall offices in small-town Alabama, the calls go out across the United States, meant to talk people into giving . This would allow me a chance to talk to your wife about considering further contributions. 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.. He could not answer. 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. 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. He said he ultimately left because he didnt feel like he was supporting the charitable efforts he had hoped to seeing a shift toward fundraising for PACs instead of charities and observing how little of the money went to the causes callers were touting. 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. I told him that I had some questions for him before I would donate. 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. 2. 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 recording says it is "Kenneth Allen from the National Police Support Fund" and they are asking for donations. 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. Also in Massachusetts, a Wilmington police officer received a call soliciting donations. How to report a scammer? Only one replied directly: 90 percent went to fundraising, and 10 percent went to police support. 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. The National Police Support Fund. Use a search engine to look for " your state + charity list ". Read our full report on the organization here, https://bit.ly/3xMbldo. Multiple voices could be heard in the background. 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. President Trump pardoned the sheriff even after the Department of Justice described Arpaio as being responsible for the worst case of racial profiling in U.S. history. For anyone interested in supporting law enforcement, experts say, think local. Founded in 1978, NAPO is the strongest unified . Help us grow with a monthly contribution. The former employee, who asked to remain anonymous because of a nondisclosure agreement, said he remembered fundraising companies outsourcing some of the telemarketing overseas to locations like the Philippines, where they relied on recordings instead of live agents. 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. . For example, a very well known and respected group is the Make a Wish Foundation. One very common hustle is the name game. Free online workshop! Eagerly he asked if I was comfortable with that amount. The BBB said days later, the New Jersey State Police photo had been removed from the site. I was contacted in Wilton, CT by representatives of the National Police Support Fund. 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. One of the more successful scams is when the scammer poses as one of many charities benefitting Law Enforcement. AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that empowers people to choose how they live as they age. 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. After I rejected he offered some booster donations of 15,25, 35 dollars to Goodwill or other organizations. The tour began with 18 members of law enforcement, who rode from New Jersey to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, D.C. Their impact and transparency ratings: The Police Unity Tour holds a Financial rating of 84 out of 100 from Charity Navigator. Political organizations including both the Democratic and Republican parties are nonprofits. . Post has been removed or is no longer public. I said I do not donate over the phone, he said I did not need to they would mail me a pledge kit. 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. Most of the money raised went to telemarketing 87 percent and other expenses. I said no i was told I would be sent a pledge form. The usual claiming they were legitimate. 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 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. 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.. He seemed okay with it. An employee who said he previously worked for two companies that raised money for Law Enforcement for a Safer America said that at his more recent job, callers were instructed not to disclose that they were calling on behalf of a super PAC. You are now leaving AARP.org and going to a website that is not operated by AARP. This Florida-based union touts its federal lobbying efforts on behalf of local members. One hit wonders seeking to cash in on the tragedy of the day from floods and fires to missing children and more. 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 National Police Association files amicus brief opposing Oregon's attempt to criminalize law abiding gun owners. This includes marketing and outreach to supporters and communities, grassroots political efforts, and digital marketing efforts. Wendy is fine with that and will sleep better now. On each call, my questions about how donations got spent mostly went unanswered. Several donors said they never would have given money to the group if they knew it would pay for Trump advertisements, including 70-year-old Susan Durie, a self-described bleeding heart liberal Democrat from Los Angeles who donated around $600 and said she felt like a victim of a scam since she thinks she was misled into believing that her donation would go to local police. Also Check: Do You Have To Pay For A Police Report. 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. Below are a few tips for screening for legitimate charities. Can the police officers count on you?. I asked them to mail me a bill instead and they did , I called the phone number on the letter and did not get a respond so I decided to go to their website . The call came to Get Gephardt to investigate who exactly it is that's making those calls. 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. A hustle is like the 70s disco dance. 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 . 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. Simple: less scrutiny. Dont send your money to a national group collecting for causes that may not always be clear. Read Also: Do You Have To Call The Police After An Accident, 2021 KnowYourPolice.net Bass, who set up several other super PACs, declined to comment. What they do: The National Association of Police Athletic/Activities League aims to minimize juvenile crime through outreach programs that pair officers with youth. Concerns of Police Survivors. United Police Fund / National Police Fund scam harassment. We support police officers who risk their lives daily protecting our communities. The National Association of Police Athletic/Activities League was founded in 1940 and is headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina. 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.. We use the funds raised from these activities to support elected officials, candidates, and organizations whose goals and values align with our own. Just change the state to your state and verify the charity is listed with your state attorney general's office, or another regulatory office (each state has different requirements). 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. He of course provided a non-reassuring answer with no defence when the jig was up, and ended the call. 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. Find out now: How much do I need to save for retirement? Virginia incorporation papers show James Fotis is president of the Alliance and changed the name to the Defense Coalition. Whether the website is from the same sector as nationalpolicesupportfund.com or not, you can report it to the Federal Trade Commission. According to the complaint, DPSF conned people into donating more than $9.9 million. As an example, he cites former Sheriff Joe Arpaio of Maricopa County in Arizona. 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. These Are the 9 Best Charities for Law Enforcement in 2023. I found a few small line items labeled legislative services, but none that appeared to go directly to supporting police. Mostly they are the products of individual scammers who smell an opportunity to cash in using the name of a victim who may or may not even be real. By rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform. 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. . generic photos, there is no real content validating that they do anything to actually support the police. 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. Law Enforcement for a Safer America officials did not return repeated requests for comment. Go to their website and give there or call the number listed. Fundraising calls are allowed even if your number is on the National Do Not Call Registry. You read that correctly. I received a call today from someone from The National Police Support Fund, who claimed to be collecting money for a drive. POLICING THE MOST DANGEROUS CITY IN THE COUNTRY: What do Chicago's LEO's and citizens think? And Law Enforcement for a Safer America appears to be cashing in. Phony Firefighters Scam. But as I learned, these callers are masters at evading any such disclosure. Being a generous person, she agreed to mail them $50. In telemarketing calls, DPSF fundraisers told people that donations would be used for grants to disabled officers and to the families of officers slain in the line of duty. Email us: watchdog@cnn.com. Instead, theyre independent, expenditure-only political action committees, or super PACs. 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. Contributions made to National Police Support Fund are not tax-deductible.

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