The State Police are warning Virginia residents about a telephone scam in which people claiming to represent law enforcement are asking people for personal information. The callers often claim to be with the Bureau of Criminal Investigation or Judicial Support Bureau. The warning suggests the scammers are identity thieves, interested only in getting victims' social security numbers and addresses.
There are actual organizations that do telemarketing on behalf of law enforcement or fire departments, but they also should dealt with cautiously. They're called "Badge Organizations." The Federal Trade Commission reports badge organizations do support law enforcement, but that in many cases, most of the money they raise goes to pay their staff.
According to the Better Business Bureau, a charity should not spend more than 35% of donations on salaries.
The Federal Trade Commission advises that if you do want to support local police or fire departments, contact them directly to find out how.
Links:
Federal Trade Commission report on dealing with badge organizations.
Guidestar.org -- Records and reviews of non-profit organizations.
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