Cops Corner - 10-2002

two occasions I took the time to investigate information I had been given by two different solicitors over the phone and found that, ultimately, I had been misled or just �flat out� lied to. Just today, I received a call from an organization that was representing the Florida State Troopers 6000 Association. The solicitor informed me that all of my donation would go to support the families of troopers that had lost their lives and/or for training and education of active troopers. After questioning the solicitor, I ended up with three company names and two different addresses.

       Long story short, I called the head of the Florida State Troopers 6000 Association and was informed that a percentage of what I might had given would have gone to the, �for profit� fundraising organization. The funds that did make it into the coffers of the Florida State Troopers Association would be primarily utilized for �legislative purposes�. The Trooper I spoke with did not know what percentages of donations were kept by the �for profit� fundraising organization and what percentage would work their way into the accounts of his association. As with my past experience when I was dealing with the director of another well known law enforcement association, I was confronted with a very cavalier attitude towards the situation.

       My advice to you would be, DO NOT GIVE ANY OF YOUR HARD EARNED MONEY TO ANYONE OR ANY ORGANIZATION THAT CALLS YOU, COMES TO YOUR DOOR, OR SENDS YOU SOMETHING IN THE MAIL unless you are fully aware of how your money will be used, who it will benefit, how it will be used to benefit them and what percentage of the money raised is used for administrative and fundraising costs and what percentage is used to provide actual help. Otherwise, if you wish to help out in any way, do so locally and donate direct to the organization or fund raiser of your choice. Even then, check out the individuals and/or organization.

       I also recommend that you NEVER utilize any services from individuals or companies that are soliciting door to door or by phone. There are a lot of home repair seams out there that you must protect yourself from. Recently, one of my family members received a call from an air conditioning company that offered to check out her home air conditioning system FOR FREE to insure that it was working properly and efficiently. The company even offered $20.00 worth of Wal-Mart gift certificates just for the opportunity to check the air condition system out. Before it was over there was a contract signed for over $3000.00 worth of work that was not needed. Remember, if you need maintenance/repairs on your home or car, call a licensed, insured, reputable company or individual to do the work for you. If it sounds too good to be true it probably is. DON�T BE TAKEN IN!!! If you need help, feel free to call me at 386-228-2145.