Things to consider from the Federal Trade Commission when a "hero charity" tries to bully or "guilt trip" your wallet open ....
Fundraisers Calling on Behalf of Police and Firefighters
http://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0085-fun ... nd-firefighters
[excerpt] Simply having the words “police” or “firefighter” in an organization’s name doesn’t mean police or firefighters are members of the group. Just because an organization claims it has local ties or works with local police or firefighters doesn’t mean contributions will be used locally or for public safety.
Donating to Public Safety Fundraisers
http://business.ftc.gov/documents/bus31-donating-public-safety-fundraisers
[excerpt] Most police and fire departments are funded by your tax dollars. However, they may ask you to contribute to their professional associations or labor unions at local, state, or national levels. These groups typically use paid fundraisers to solicit donations. Be cautious: simply having the words ''police'' or ''firefighter'' in an organization’s name doesn’t mean police or firefighters are members of the group — or benefit from it. Call your local police or fire department to verify any fundraiser’s claims.
Most if not all charity calls are placed by commercial fundraisers who commit a barely legal form of fraud by turning an alleged charity cause into a profit venture. As commercial entities, hired call centers are expected to honor an internal no-call list and add any number upon request. Break that order, the FTC declares, and ''the telemarketer may be subject to a fine of up to $16,000.'' They can also be spanked for excess call abandonment and calling outside default hours.
In comments from November 2012 and June 2013 linked below, I've discussed simple steps I took to rid myself of a major pain fundraising boiler room by politely rubbing its face in federal laws. You will note that I never rely on verbal cease-communication demands.
Another call from Aspen Hill, Bestheda, Frederick area of Maryland on 10.05.2014 at 5:10 PM and since my Caller ID showed "Unavailable 240-215-3630", I let my answering machine take the call and of course no VM was left. Since no VM was left, the call wasn't that important to begin with.
FOP fund-raiser (as "Unknown Name") calling. The Fraternal Order of Police is a labor UNION not a charity. Do other unions solicit donations? (and not for a good cause, but for themselves?) These are contracted fund-raisers calling and not your local police.
In addition to being a union, they're politically active and, in my opinion, for the wrong side. Since their money went to elect someone whose administration has done nothing but criticize the police, I wonder why? I've received one call, on 10/4/14, at 12:20PM, EDT. As usual, no message left, and I ignored the call as I do any I don't recognize. No CID, other than Out of Area.
I contacted the Maryland State Police about these and she told me I would be crazy to donate. For one these they are being paid to collect and have no connection with the FOP. I live in Southern Maryland and she said anything they collect goes towards Western Maryland! Being a dues paying member of the AFL/CIO for over 35 years now we are self sufficent as are the FOP's and shouldn't be begging for handouts ! ! !
I've gotten this call twice now. They say something like "This was a political survey. We may call back." No option to shut them up. Don't people understand how obnoxious this is?
I called back. They have hours 9-9 during the week and some hours on weekends. They talk about their "customers".
They give an option to leave your name and number to be removed from their list. We shall see how honest they are.