How can you tell if you just got played?

So, I'm not one to donate anything to anyone that calls me, nor do I give out credit card info over the phone unless I solicit their products, services, or anything that requires payment....but, I'm starting to feel a little uneasy and starting to doubt the legitimacy of the organization I just "donated" to.

To all of you LEO and EMS folk out there...would the Colorado police officers, state patrol, or local organizations call asking for donations? They sounded professional, just coming off of Memorial Day, and the fact that there are so many of you guys on here that serve(d) I felt very giving and donated.

Any ideas from the gallery as whether or not this would be a legitimate donation?

@Sean266 @COMiamiFan

 

We used to get phone calls here all the time asking to donate to a similar organization. You got a nice "feel good sticker" showing you donated. With a little research, it was found out that only about 10% of the money went to the police organizations. The rest went to the fundraising company that was doing the calls.

 

I got a similar phone call a couple days ago. I hung up because I'm a dick and don't trust anyone.

 

Absolutely, they will never call to solicit money. SMH...

 

I had a good day, the kids are cheery, the house is clean, so I wasnt necessarily feeling vulnerable. But then, an odd thought crossed my mind - that's weird that this group calls the day after Memorial Day...then I got a little panicky. Doesn't mean I don't want to give nor trust them.....just uneasy.

 

Kinda what I was thinking but anyone in the field right now that has some ties that might wanna speak up Im hoping that last .37 isn't already gone

 

Somebody call this number and tell me what you think. You'll get a recording but it is 8pm

720.306.0922

 

did you get an emailed receipt? or their 501c number? We had a group in NC around Christmas time that would go collect donations for the local fire department or so they said. almost donated to them then on the way to the store we drove past the firehouse and they had a sign up about them. They did give some of the money to the fire department but not the full amount.

 

IMO i never donate over phone or give any info over phone to something like that i simply dont trust ive had identity theft happen couple times

 

Mennonites, Quakers, Catholics, all have foundations and/or social services where around 1 to 3% is all that is used for administrative costs.
Beyond that, volunteer so you know what you're supporting.
Panhandlers get a bottle of water. Callers get instantly put on my "block caller" list.
That's my.02

 

It was from a 720 area code claiming to represent Colorado law enforcement. I usually do not give any information over the phone like that but was feeling generous and proud to support LEOs. I don't have time to volunteer as you do, though I have high regard for your services, but do want to pay tribute and support.

I guess that's how they get you. I'm going to follow up tomorrow and see what I can find out about them in particular and then support a legit organization if they are not.

 

Agreed. I don't know where my head was. I'm typically sharper than that

 

Phone solicitations? ....let me see.....hmmmmm SCAM!!!

 

I've gotten calls from the fraternal order of police asking for donations if that is the call you got. But nowadays I do not give credit card info online no matter how worthy the cause (unless I asked for a call). You might be ok though. Still claim it as a donation on your taxes though.

 

Was it the Fraternal Order of Police or something or other?

 

Don't beat yourself up. Being guided by your heart isn't always a bad thing. Sometimes being jaded and suspicious can become a lifestyle.

 

It was not

Honestly I can't remember the exact group they claim to be, just that Colorado Law Enforcement was the term I caught for sure.

 

I would never donate over the phone, too risky for scams.

Showing any support is awesome, but here are some ideas I think will put some smiles on some faces.

1. Bring them a thank you card explaining your appreciation and some food if you want to spend more. If food, make sure it is all packaged/sealed OR directly delivered from a reputable place you see them frequent or it will likely go right in the trash.

2. Another thing which is awesome IMHO, if you see them eating somewhere, discreetly pay their tab. Boom!

 

I just hand people cash.....granted they are normally separated by a bar...and just got me a beer.

 

35 yrs in law enforcement, yep that's me...have not seen it all, but dam sure saw enough that it takes me awhile to really trust people.

 

It's a little bit sad that I'm feeling the way I do about this because I was trying to do something that was beneficial to a group that I highly respect. It might still turn out good, so I'm going to be optimistic.

What's even more sad is that I live in a place where crimes consist of DUI, petty drug offenses, an occasional murder (like once a year), and a mountain bike theft ring. I never lock my doors, nor does anyone else in my town, we never hear of burglaries, no gangs, no violence, and my kids have been raised in a very sheltered world. Before living where I do we came from another vacation candyland. These kids have absolutely no idea what's really out there and I fear for their safety when they fly away from the nest.

Something like this, though very minor, makes me thankful I can provide this kind of glorious upbringing, but at the same time I feel ashamed for not giving them a real world education.

I guess if I had to do it all over again I would do it the exact same way. Sometimes I forget to thank God for my ability, strength, and blessings for what I have been given, and more so what I'm able to give them.

Sorry for the long rant...just feeling a little tender hearted right now. Emotions come and go...thank God I can feel them!!!

 

I normally wouldn't either, and never have. But for some reason I did. Maybe tge divine was telling me too and it's going to a good cause....and then again maybe I needed a swift kick in the d***

 

It's called naivety. No debate here

 

All my doors unlocked....keys in the vehicles....including farm equipment....no way I am looking for lost fucking keys! So your not the only one...that's why I moved to the country

 

I'm not in the country but I am in a tiny town way up in the hills. The problem I face is the amount of trust due to knowing everyone in town, but like Sean said, that's where thieves target. The only thing I have going for me that's against them is the elevation...most people that come here from out of town have a hard time breathing and I have 3 floors in my house. It's amazing what 11,000 feet will do to the lungs

Maybe the trick is to hide all valuables on the top floor!!