Nevada Fight Fraud Taskforce warns of fundraising scam

The Nevada Fight Fraud Taskforce is warning Las Vegas residents to be wary of a potential fundraising scam soliciting donations for their local police departments.

In a statement, the agency said several residents have reported receiving multiple calls asking for contributions to the police.

"We are receiving calls on this issue daily," taskforce Chairwoman Elisabeth Daniels said.

Daniels offers these tips from the Federal Trade Commission to help consumers avoid being defrauded:

•Simply having the words "police" or "firefighter" in an organization's name doesn't mean police or firefighters are members of the group.

•Just because an organization claims it has local ties or works with local police or firefighters doesn't mean contributions will be used locally or for public safety. The organization should be able to provide you with written information describing the programs your donation will support.

•Most solicitations for police and fire service organizations are made by paid professional fundraisers.

•Donations to some police or firefighter groups may not be tax deductible.

Before giving money, Daniels suggests people:

•Ask for the charity's name, address, and phone number, and written information about its programs.

•Check the validity of the organization with your local law enforcement department and the Better Business Bureau's Wise Giving Alliance.

•Ask whether the person calling you is a professional fundraiser and how much of your contribution will go to fundraising costs.

Visit the FTC Web site at http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/microsites/phonefraud/publicsafety.shtml for more information on avoiding scams.