The local office of Department of Public Safety in Lubbock warned the community Thursday of a recent scam involving donations for state troopers.
The Texas DPS is funded by tax dollars but DPS Sergeant John Gonzalez said there are associations that work on behalf of the troopers.
"The Texas State Troopers Association and The Department of Public Safety Officers Association are two organizations that are recognized by the Department," Gonzalez said. "But they don't represent the department."
Basically, as Sergeant Gonzalez explained it, troopers are members of these association and money raised could be used for families of fallen troopers or scholarship funds.
Some of these organizations will use telemarketers to collect donations, but Gonzalez warns summer is primetime for scammers.
Gonzalez said it is easy to spot a con-artist, all you have to do is ask some questions.
"Where are you located at?" Gonzalez said. "Is there an address where I could write or request information? Or a phone number that I could call? And they should be able to give you that information."
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Making a donation may sound like a good idea, but Gonzalez said to 'go with your gut.'
"Just because you don't give doesn't mean you are going to hurt my feelings personally," Gonzalez said. "I don't want you to lose your money to a false advertisement that it is helping someone, when in reality it is only helping an individual."
If you still have the urge to give, Gonzalez said to do your research and contact the organization directly for additional information. Most of the time they should be able to send you a packet full of information.
Other tips for making donations to any charitable organization: Request written information, ask how the donation will be distributed, call the charity and ask if they are aware of the solicitation and know the difference between 'tax-exempt' and 'tax-deductible.'
Violating the solicitation law is a Class A misdemeanor punishable by fine and/or jail time.
