The Greenfield, Massachusetts, police department warned about the group last year as well. The National Police Associations website says it is a 501 3 non-profit, but its come under fire from multiple police departments across the country, who say it is a scam. 
The union has recently claimed to have more than 100,000 members, but the IUPA has reported around 20,000 members in tax filings. Below are a few tips for screening for legitimate charities. There have been calls circulating from a Police Officers Support Association asking for credit card donations. It is not even listed, much less rated, by 1) Charity Watch, 2) Charity Navigator, 3) the BBB Wise Giving Alliance, or 4) or Consumer Reports Best Charities List. Also worth noting is that while his organization is based in Virginia, and gets its mail in Stafford, TX, Fotis lives in Lake Worth, FL. The I.U.P.A. Up to June 2020, only 2% of the groups spending went toward political activities mainly for advertisements supporting President Donald Trumps reelection, according to data filed with the FEC. The NHTA was founded in 1959 and is the second-oldest statewide law enforcement association in the country. A secretive political group has been pulling in millions of dollars in recent months amid a growing Blue Lives Matter movement, with a cadre of telemarketers urgently telling Americans that now is the time to support the police and keep them safe. The fundraiser Its press releases include a contact for Adam Colton, a name that has appeared on statements relating to Hutchisons businesses dating back to at least 2003, when he was listed as a media contact in a press release announcing the monthly winner of a USA Dream Girl model search. Its safest to donate by credit card or check after youve done some research on the charity. The PAC has been in operation for several years, and it appears to have a legitimate website and social media presence. North Dakota aast is an agricultural state in the United States. You May Like: How Long Does Take To Be A Police Officer. The Federal Trade Commission maintains an online reporting system for telemarketing and other scams, which can be found at and many State Attorneys General offer assistance in reporting and responding to fraud. This business calls continuously and refuses to take me off their call list after numerous such requests by me. The solution, the letter says, is clear: Give our law enforcement officers the crime prevention tools they need. Videos on Law Enforcement for a Safer America's website show cities in flames and say that officers have been injured during what the group describes as riots. Learn about getting and using credit, borrowing money, and managing debt. Under "About Us", it states, "The Police Officers Support Alliance is a project of For a Better America, a non-partisan independent expenditure-only group governed by Section 527 of the U.S. tax code. The TSTA is a valuable resource for current and former law enforcement officers. But these telemarketers bombarding our phone lines? They call late in the evening and on weekends. The Wilmington Police Department has no association with this organization and we have never even heard of them, stated a May release from the department. The NPATA is a member of the AFL-CIO and represents over 20,000 law enforcement officers and troopers. He said his father served in the Navy for nearly two decades and was always proud of his service. Learn about the rules charities have to follow when they call you and what you can to do avoid donating to a fake charity. If theres one constant among scammers, its that theyre always coming up with new schemes, like the Google Voice verification scam. RCPD says its a scam and that money raised by this organization doesnt actually go to any local law enforcement initiatives. Its all a way to get your credit card information and a donation. There is no one definitive answer to this question. This needs to stop. BBB Business Profiles may not be reproduced for sales or promotional purposes. Money donated to this group might be used for political purposes and will not be used for direct help to police or troopers, Fox wrote. 
These are Americas heroes. Videos on its site show cities in flames and say that officers have been injured during what the group describes as riots presumably referring to recent Black Lives Matter protests in the wake of the police killing of George Floyd. 
The Texas State Troopers Association (TSTA) is a group of current and former law enforcement officers who are dedicated to supporting the Texas State Troopers. The websites describe his career in law enforcement and his role as the creator of the police officers safety act legislation carried by former San Diego Congressman Randy Duke Cunningham. Per the Police Officers Support Association website, it is a Political Action Committee and states, The PAC advocates for legislative efforts to improve the safety and wellness of Law Enforcement Officers. Read Also: Can Police Pull You Over For No Insurance. We highly encourage our followers to verify who they are making donations to when contacted for fundraisers.. I finally answered and told them I won't support them and they still tried to get money from me. The Reading Police Department in Massachusetts described the Police Officers Support Association as a scam charity last year. Many of the other complaints to the FTC about the political committee and its related groups said fundraisers used spoofed numbers and violated the law by calling them even though they were on the Do Not Call list, while others said they had been misled or even harassed by fundraisers. Make smart shopping decisions, know your rights, and solve problems when you shop or donate to charity. 
So how can you tell the difference? "The Elm Grove Post Office Box (PO Box 5040, Elm Grove, WI) that is listed on mailings for donation request purposes is merely a "collection point" for its fundraising per the charity's website, which states:Contact Us. The calls, which often target elderly donors, come from a variety of generic and similar-sounding aliases: The Police Officers Support Association, the National Emergency Responders Coalition and the National Coalition for Police & Troopers. Dont send your money to a national group collecting for causes that may not always be clear. In reality, RCPD says the money they raise doesnt actually go to police departments or any other legitimate police organizations. Our administrative mailing address is:Police Officers Support Alliance1981 Memorial Drive, Box 168Chicopee, MA 01020Email: info (the at sign) posausa (dot) orgA Note About Our Fundraising AddressThank you for your donation! The NPATA has a dedicated legal defense fund that provides financial assistance to members who are facing legal action. An image from Law Enforcement For A Safer America PAC's Facebook page. A legitimate charity will welcome your donation at any time. But none of the money being raised actually goes to police departments, according to government records. The PTRF has a four-star rating from Charity Navigator. Three other IUPA executives earned more than $100,000 apiece during fiscal 2017-2018. Thats because that address is the collection point we use for our fundraising. In 1889, the Dakota Territory was divided into two states: North Dakota and South Dakota. For every guest who mentions the fundraiser, restaurants will donate 10% of total sales to the organization. While the union flaunts itself as the only union for law enforcement officers, it is questionable in its reports of membership, which have been shown to be false on more than one occasion. He said his father has always leaned heavily Democratic, supported President Barack Obama and previously expressed strong anti-Trump views. For anyone interested in supporting law enforcement, experts say, think local. When a charitys fundraiser calls to ask you for a donation, they have to follow some rules: Here are four questions to ask someone who says theyre raising funds for a charity that helps first responders, active duty military, veterans, or their families. WebTHE NATIONAL POLICE ASSOCIATION IS A 501 (C) (3)NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION FOUNDED TO EDUCATE SUPPORTERS OF LAW ENFORCEMENT ON HOW TO HELP POLICE DEPARTMENTS ACCOMPLISH T (More) Rating Information Needs Improvement This charity's score is 60%, earning it a Two-Star rating. The NHTA provides its members with a number of important benefits, including: The NHTA is a legitimate and reputable organization that provides important benefits to its members. Is the United police fund legitimate? Phone Calls Asking You To Donate. Organizations that help veterans and military families often use direct mail to create awareness and fundraise. Legal Definition Of Notwithstanding Clause. But the groups file financial disclosures with federal regulators under only a handful of names. Tax filings also show that the union operates its own call center and that a company the union controls purchased a nearly 20,000 square foot office building valued at more than $2.5 million, where the union is now based. Every day, police and firefighters risk their lives to make your community safer. Here are some things you can do to avoid donating to a fake charity: Many charities that help first responders like police officers and firefighters veterans, and active duty military, or their families, pay fundraisers to call donors or potential donors. Is the United police fund legitimate? PRIVACY POLICY AS IT RELATES TO MAKING A DONATION TO THE NATIONAL POLICE FOUNDATION, You May Like: Will Police Call You If You Have A Warrant. Local organizations that raise money on behalf of San Diego law enforcement include: Star/Pal for San Diego Police, which provides educational and recreational services for inner-city youth, and the San Diego County Deputy Sheriffs Foundation, which provides support services for sheriffs personnel and families. Here are three important things to do before you give money to someone who says theyre raising funds for a charity that helps first responders, active duty military, veterans, or their families. Heres what you need to know about these calls. The website soliciting funds for Arpaio says, Liberals have targeted Sheriff Joe Arpaio with a multi-million dollar lawsuit (that could even result in jail time) because he was upholding the law of the land.. If you have a question about a telephone call you received requesting that you make a donation to the FOP, please contact the local FOP lodge in your area or the FOP State Lodge in your state. It turns out Police and Fire Retirees of Ohio is a legitimate non profit lobbying group, though it is not a charity under IRS rules. The PTRF has a four-star rating from Charity Navigator, indicating that it is a highly efficient and effective charity. The name North Dakota is derived from the Dakota Sioux language. If you are a sworn law enforcement officer in New Hampshire, the NHTA is the organization for you. -The caller should be able to provide a contact number and/or website where you can get more information. This means that we will work to defend strong police leadership and interests in our nations cities and work to elect officials who will stand up for our police force. It can be hard to tell what is and isnt a scam, and thats especially true when it comes to fundraising calls from the police. Just hang up. 
A legitimate charity will welcome your donation at any time. The Reading Police Department in Massachusetts described the Police Officers Support Association as a scam charity last year. Recommended Reading: How To Become A Police Officer Without A College Degree. The state is the countrys second-largest producer of coal and is the fifth-largest producer of oil. If you have been the victim of a telephone scam you are able to file a complaint with the FBI, by going to www.iC3.gov. A copy of the committee's report is filed with the Federal Election Commission, Washington D.C. 20463. The fundraisers connection to the charity. I have asked for my phone number to be removed. What to know when you're looking for a job or more education, or considering a money-making opportunity or investment. Wendy is fine with that and will sleep better now. Wendy is fine with that and will sleep better now. 
The FTC keeps a database of scams, and they may be able to help you get your money back. We'll send you the top local news stories every morning at 8 a.m. By clicking subscribe, you agree to share your email address with Times of San Diego to receive our free newsletter and breaking news alerts. As our conversation continued, the caller would lower the amount of funding he was requesting. Callers often use intimidation tactics or try to make you feel guilty about not supporting their cause. Recommended Reading: How To Become A Desk Police Officer, You May Like: How Long Is Police Academy In Pa. Fred Berns does not recall agreeing to become an officer for the National Police Association. Until recently, the National Police Association listed a treasurer named Arnold Musungu, whose name is also spelled as Munsungu in some filings. It also lists an address for itself in Washington, DC. The PTRF was founded in 1985 by a group of police officers and troopers who wanted to provide support to their fellow officers and troopers. The region was later claimed by the United States in 1803 as part of the Louisiana Purchase. There are a number of factors that can contribute to this. The man on the other end of the phone is asking for money for the protection of police officers. WebPolice Officers Support Association PAC is not a charity and therefore contributions are not tax deductible as charitable contributions. In the first six months of 2021, neither group appeared to spend anything on veterans or police. WebTHE NATIONAL POLICE ASSOCIATION IS A 501 (C) (3)NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION FOUNDED TO EDUCATE SUPPORTERS OF LAW ENFORCEMENT ON HOW TO HELP POLICE DEPARTMENTS ACCOMPLISH T (More) Rating Information Needs Improvement This charity's score is 60%, earning it a Two-Star rating. How BBB Processes Complaints and Reviews. Here are a few ideas to help you give safely: Read Donating through Crowdfunding, Social Media, and Fundraising Platformsfor more tips on what to look for when youre asked to donate on social media or to a crowdfunding campaign. IndyStar could not find records for anyone with Coltons or Musungus names who might have a role with the National Police Association. Hutchison said in a statement to IndyStar that he approached Berns about joining the organization in 2017, but soon after there were other events whereby it was determined it wasnt for the best. The state is the countrys leading producer of wheat and is also a leading producer of barley, flaxseed, sunflower seeds, and canola. To show your support, you may consider making a donation when a fund-raiser calls from a fire or police service organization. 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The IUPA and the relief fund also uses almost 80% of its donated funds to pay telemarketers to obtain even more funds. They have called me multiple times a day. The safest way to donate on social media or crowdfunding campaign is to give to people you actually know. WebThe Police Officers Support Alliance (POSA) is located in Chicopee, Massachusetts according to its website, posausa.org. Learn about the rules charities have to follow when they call you and what need! Donate by credit card donations when they call late in the evening and on weekends your credit card and... Records for anyone with Coltons or Musungus names who might have a with... The Navy for nearly two decades and was always proud of his service intimidation tactics or try to make community! Verify who they are making donations to when contacted for fundraisers six months of 2021, neither appeared!: How to Become a Police Officers Support Association PAC is not a charity and therefore contributions are not deductible. 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