Crime & Safety

Telemarketing Scammers Targeting Laguna Beach Businesses

A business owner was recently solicited for donations by a group claiming to represent the Laguna Beach Police Association.

The Laguna Beach Police Department sent out a notice today warning local businesses of a telemarketing scam that may be attempting to target Laguna Beach businesses.

A local business owner recently reported receiving a phone call from a group claiming to represent the Laguna Beach Police Association and asking for a donation, LBPD Lt. Jason Kravetz said.

The business owner was suspicious about the group's affiliation, and did not give them a donation. The incident was reported to the police for investigation.

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The group is not associated with the Laguna Beach Police Association whatsoever, Kravetz said.

"Many times these telemarketers will attempt to convince you that they are working with local public safety organizations when they in fact are far outside our area," Kravetz wrote in the warning notice. "For future reference, please know that the Police Association in Laguna Beach only solicits via mail and does not make telephone calls.

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"Fortunately, we only know of one local business person who was contacted by this group. She immediately found it suspicious and did not donate. When all else fails, please feel free to contact your local Police and Fire Departments in order to inquire about these soliciting firms."

The police department also sent out a flier which lists ways that both residents and business owners can avoid becoming the victim of such scams. Patch has reproduced the text of the flier below:

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SOLICITATION TELEMARKETING WARNING

Over the past few months Laguna Beach residents and business owners have come to the police department to verify the legitimacy of various organizations that utilize telemarketing to solicit for contributions by phone and/or mail. It seems this method of generating revenue is becoming increasingly popular. While there are many telemarketing companies that act on behalf of legitimate organizations, there are also those that use telephone solicitation to fraudulently obtain money. Additionally, the callers may try to confuse you by using names that sound like well-known organizations or claim that the donation will benefit law enforcement agencies.

Protect yourself and your business from being a victim of this type of fraud.

  • Ask the caller for the charity’s full name and address, and whether your contribution would be tax deductible.
  • Ask the caller to identify his or her relationship with the organization (volunteer or paid solicitor). If the solicitation is made in person, ask to see some form of identification.
  • Ask the caller to mail information to you so that you can make an informed decision. If you are not familiar with the organization, consult the State Department of Consumer Affairs or the Better Business Bureau.
  • DO NOT commit yourself to charitable donations over the phone and DO NOT feel pressured into making an immediate decision.
  • NEVER give out personal information such as your social security, bank account, or credit card numbers over the phone unless you initiated the call and know with whom you are speaking.
  • Ask the caller what percentage of your donation goes directly to the organization he/she is representing. Often, only a very small percentage of funds collected in the name of the charity actually are given to them.
  • If you would like to donate money to a charitable/non-profit organization, donate it directly to the organization. Most reputable organizations are listed and can be contacted by phone to obtain a direct mailing address for your donation. By using this method, they will receive 100 percent of your donation.
  • Always pay your contribution by check, and make the check payable to the of- ficial name of the charity, not to the individual collecting the donation.
  • Keep records of your donations, such as receipts and cancelled checks, so you can document your charitable giving at tax time.


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