Law Enforcement Sound-Alikes Phone Scams

The New York State Police are issuing a warning about bogus telephone solicitations that play on the public's support for police.

Officials say there have been periodic inquiries from residents about calls asking for donations to organizations that have police-sounding-names.

The State Police say neither they, nor any other agency authorized by them ever solicits donations from the general public.

Officials say a recent example comes from their investigation into the questionable practices of a telemarketer soliciting for a purported charity using the name, The Fraternal Order of New York State Troopers.

Investigators say the fundraising corporation and its owner have now been barred from soliciting charitable contributions in New York State.  The corporation was also required to pay its remaining donations to a legitimate charity.

Suspected scams can be reported to the New York State Attorney General and tips on charitable giving can be found on the A.G.’s website at www.oag.ny.us.