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the wake of the tragic death of Kirkwood Police Sergeant William
McEntee, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) warns the donating public
to use caution when solicited either by phone or door-to-door to
give. Unfortunately, after tragic events such as this, scam artists
come out of the woodwork to prey on the generosity of others.
The BBB warns donors to give, but give wisely and use the following
tips to assist you in making your decision to donate.
* If a police or firefighter organization is using the telephone
to solicit funds, ask what type of organization is soliciting
(e.g., charity, fraternal group or union), if any local police
officers or firefighters are involved, and what specific program(s)
will the donation support?
* Ask if the telephone solicitor is a professional fundraiser
and if so, ask how much money the fundraiser keeps and how much
goes to the police or firefighter organization.
* Don㦙 believe promises or suggestions that your donation will
give you 𦽳pecial treatment?from your police or firefighters.
* Do not succumb to pressure to make an immediate gift. A legitimate
charity that wants your donation will welcome it just as much
tomorrow or next week.
* Do not give your credit card number, bank account number, or
other personal financial information to unknown solicitors. If
you want to contribute, mail a check to the organization𠏋 address
after checking out the charity.
* Check the organization𠏋 customer experience record with the
BBB by calling (314) 645-3300 or visiting its website at www.contactbbb.org.
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