The Georgia Sheriffs’ Association Warns
Residents About Telephone Solicitation Fraud

The Georgia Sheriffs’ Association, Inc. has received numerous inquiries and complaints concerning the solicitation of funds by telephone.  The Georgia Sheriffs’ Association (GSA) and Georgia Sheriffs’ Youth Homes (GSYH) never, never raises funds through the use of telephone solicitations.  If anyone phones you claiming they are affiliated with one of these organizations, it is a fraud.  GSA/GSYH only uses the United States mail to raise money for the organizations. 

Even though it is legal for businesses and associations to solicit by telephone, the sheriffs of Georgia do not endorse fund-raising projects or advertising sales conducted by telephone and do not find it an acceptable practice for any organization representing a law enforcement group or association.

Fraudulent telephone and advertising schemes rip off hundreds of millions of dollars nationwide from unsuspecting businesses and individuals.  If you receive solicitations by telephone, please use the following precautions:

• Ask questions. Honest businesses don't mind questions.
  
  
• Ask the solicitor what percentage of funds raised actually goes to the charity and what goes to fund raising.
  
  
• Request a list of the Board of Directors of the  organization that the solicitor is representing.
  
  
• Do not buy or pledge anything by phone.  Ask for the offer or donation request to be mailed to you in writing before you send money.  Be very cautious of anyone using "runners" to  pick up contributions to avoid using the United States mail.
  
  
• Any reputable organization should be happy to furnish you  with a copy of their annual report.  Also, ask for a copy of the IRS letter stating that the organization is a 501(c)3 tax exempt organization.
  
  
• f the caller says they are representing a certain law enforcement group or organization, have them furnish you with the law enforcement agency that is sponsoring the fund-raising project and request an address and phone number so you can  verify the endorsement.
  
  
• Do not be fooled by promotional materials that look "professional" or use names similar to well-known companies or government agencies.

There are state agencies you can call to verify or complain about telephone solicitors. All charitable organizations must register with the Secretary of State's office before they can raise funds in Georgia.  To verify if an organization is registered, you may contact the office of the Secretary of State at 404.656.3920, via email Securities@sos.state.ga.us, or inquire directly online at  http://www.sos.state.ga.us/securities/charities_paid_solicitors.htm.       

If you need to file a complaint about possible frauds, individuals should contact the Governor's Office of Consumer Affairs at 404.651.8600 if you live in the metro area or 1.800.869.1123 outside the metro area.