I don't usually pick up unknown uumbers. But I have a lot of friends in Kansas City area since I'm from Wichita, KS. Picked up thinking it could be someone I might know.
I think they are a scam. But, they tried very hard to sound legit. Said they were trying to raise fund for Kansas law enforcement personnels. Asked my name and credit card information. That's when I said I would be stupid to give them money over the phone. I told them, if you really are legit and from law enforcement agency, then you should have my name on your record. Then the woman gave me some random last name. Then I said you are not legit. Then she gave me a website and a toll free number and told me to check online and donate money online.
Website was www.kansasstatesop.org and phone number was 1-866-417-6614. Needless to say, that website doesn't work.
I get calls with the 913 prefix all the time saying the same thing, when I say I am not interested they quickly hangup. seems like this is happening a lot recently!
I answered since I was expecting a call from that area code. After I said hello there was a long pause, then some guy answered saying he was collecting funds for the Fraternal Order of Police in Kansas, he went on for a while on the benefits of donating, and as soon as he asked "for a commitment of $25" I knew it was a scam.
THIS IS A SCAM. Busted. I am going to report them to the FBI, the Bank of my card, and the Attorney General. The guy calls himself "Joel Collins." He doesn't know if he's calling out or accepting inbound calls. But he sucks you into this sob story about fallen heroes. I said, "sure! I'll donate!" And then my disabled veteran Military Policeman husband said "you're being scammed."
So I called them back....and YEP! It IS A SCAM.
Some lady named Tracy, too. They give you their license number, and the Sec of State verification thing, and whatnot ---- and then they speed-read you a 'small print' [***] thing about how your contribution is not to a charity and not deductible. They might be perfectly legit, but THEY ARE LYING.
They are trying to dupe unsuspecting people who have reason to be supportive of the police,
https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0085-fu ... nd-firefighters