Editorial

BE WARY OF SCAMS HIDING BEHIND BADGES

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When someone wears a badge, people take notice. That's why it's so very important to guard against scams known as badge fraud.

It's long been against the law to impersonate an officer. But the lines can become more fuzzy in terms of telephone solicitation. The Federal Trade Commission is teaming up with state attorneys general to combat badge fraud over the telephone.

A number of groups are downright deceitful when they link their names with names that sound like law enforcement organizations. They feel people will be more willing to support law enforcement charities.

Those who give may feel they'll get special treatment by police officers, or they may just have a hard time turning down charities with sheriff, police or trooper in their names.

You may have been one those bilked out of precious dollars by these fraudulent solicitors. You're not alone. About $1.43 billion -- that right, billion -- was illegally raised by fake charities in 1995. These schemes make it harder for legitimate charities to do their work. Someone burned once will be far less likely to support any future charitable cause.

Information is paramount in derailing a fake charity. People should learn a lot more about the organization before any money changes hands. Here are some tips to ensure charities are genuine:

-- Most states require charities be registered or licensed by the state. That's a fact that can be easily checked with a state attorney general's office or the secretary of state.

-- Ask for the name, address and phone number of a contact person.

-- Telemarketers are permitted to call only between the hours of 8 a.m. and 9 p.m.

-- If you are uncomfortable with an offer, request written information, and don't make any decision until you've reviewed the materials.

-- Be wary of giving out credit card numbers over the telephone.

About $143 billion was raised for all charities in 1995, which means the fake efforts comprised only about 1 percent. But the fact these con artists pocketed about $1.43 billion is a real crime.