Warning! Scam related to Attack

[TinkerbellRules]

Warning!

From the Indiana State Police.

They are warning people of phone scams collecting money for the fallen firefighters in NYC. Be careful if you get any of these calls. Question the callers and call to verify the agencies are collecting money BEFORE you give credit card numbers or money. I received an “unknown caller” on my caller ID yesterday (9/12), but answered it anyway (I normally don't). The man said “Mrs. ****”. I said “is this a sales call?” He said, “Mrs. ***, I’m calling on behalf of the Indiana State Troopers”. I said “this is NOT a day to be making solicition calls!!!” and hung up. I was so upset someone would try to solicit. Then I realized who he said he was calling for. I felt a little bad, but thought it was still in poor taste to call people. I have not received any other solicitation call from ANYONE. I believe this was the scam they were talking about. SICK PEOPLE!! Please be careful. These people are playing on our emotions and grief.

[KathyR]

I had 3 of those calls last evening too! I told them that I already gave all the money I could to the Red Cross, which I already had. When I said this they gave up without a fight which is unusual!! They call periodically anyway, but this time the timing was really distasteful!!! Thankfully I don't give money over the phone.

[idontknow]

Thanks for the heads up! I haven't gotten any calls about donating money so far. I NEVER give out my cc# over the phone unless I call the company. I would probably tell them that I would be more than happy to make a donation in person, though.

The week before Labor day, the firefighters were standing on the corners collecting for MDA. (I can now say I was "mugged by a firefighter" and have no ill will about it. LOL) I would love to see our firefighters and off duty police officers standing on corners collecting for the cause!

[GrumpyOne]

When I started getting those calls, I asked how much actually went to the charity. It was a while before someone claimed to know and said 3%. I continue to ask and have never gotten an answer over 15%.

If I make a charitable donation, I prefer that most of the money doesn't end up with the telemarketing firm.

[TinkerbellRules]

I totally agree. I never give to people calling. I always state I donate to the charities I wish to directly. The problem with these people is that it was a scam. Older people (no offense to those on here) are usually the ones scammed. Warning your grandparents or elderly neighbors not to donate over the phone.

I still have only received one call since this happened. That's really unusual. I signed up for the "no call" list for our state which starts in January!

[karensi]

I live in Staten Island, New York, and the word here is that no one should give any money or credit card info to anyone who calls on the phone.