Phone solicitors pose at police and sheriff's office - KYTX CBS 19 Tyler Longview News Weather Sports

Phone solicitors pose at police and sheriff's office

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MOUNT PLEASANT - The Mount Pleasant Police Department has received several complaints this week of phone solicitations whereby callers are introducing themselves as being with the Mount Pleasant Police Department or Titus County Sheriff's Office Fraternal Order of Police, associating the caller with local law enforcement. The caller requests a donation for "drug and alcohol awareness for teens", "toys for underprivileged children", and for "police retirement." If the caller agrees to the donation the solicitor will send a person to their address to collect the payment.

In a joint message the Mount Pleasant Police Department and Titus County Sheriff's Office warns our citizens not to accept phone solicitations for monetary donations unless you personally know who the caller on the phone is or have personal knowledge of the charitable organization. Neither the Mount Pleasant Police Department nor Titus County Sheriff's Office make phone solicitations to our residents or businesses for money. Additionally there is not an organized "Fraternal Order of Police" organization representing this city or county law enforcement agencies.

These types of phone solicitations usually occur around the holiday season since people are in a more giving mood. While intentions may be good to donate to organizations in need, the police and sheriff's office warns everyone to donate only to recognized charities or a charity you personally vetted. Chief Wayne Isbell stated, "We need to be careful that our donations are actually going to organizations that help the needy and not to someone who is taking advantage of our generous citizens and businesses by saying they represent local law enforcement."

It is strongly recommended that if someone calls for a donation and you want to donate to that organization, ask lots of questions. Ask for the address of the organization, website, and phone numbers of the charity and then try to find published information about the charity before sending or giving them a donation. Solicitors who do not provide the requested information are hiding something and you may not want to trust them. Both Chief Wayne Isbell and Sheriff Tim Ingram encourage our regional community to support local charitable organizations like the Red Cross, Salvation Army Red Kettle bell ringers, Safe-T, Titus County Cares that supports programs like Empty Stockings, Clothes for Kids and the Backpack Program, Mount Pleasant Police Department/Titus County Sheriff's Office Blue Christmas, and your local churches. These are just a few examples of local organizations that support our community and rely on donations of items and money. All of these organizations will gladly work with you to confirm their legitimacy and provide information on how they support the Mount Pleasant/Titus County community.

 

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