Menominee County Sheriff’s Department – Wisconsin
*********SCAM ALERT**********
A concerned resident has reported receiving a suspicious letter in the mail from the American Federation of Police and Concerned Citizens (referred to as AFPCC) asking for tax deductible donations. The letter appears to indicated that Menominee County has some affiliation with AFPCC with the print of “Special MENOMINEE County Notice” at the top of the page. (SEE ATTACHED PHOTO)
Though online research it was determined that the AFPCC is a legally recognized charity, however, it receives very poor ratings from charity oversight organizations. BE AWARE!… Menominee County has NO affiliation with AFPCC and we, along with numerous other law enforcement agencies across the United States, are issuing a warning to our citizens regarding solicitations from AFPCC or any other organizations claiming to be charities. Please consider the following if you receive mail or phone calls asking for donations:
1) Do your homework first. Investigate how a charity actually uses donations that it receives. You can research charity organizations online and find out how they use the money you donate and what percentage of the money actually goes toward what they claim.
2) Be wary of high-pressure tactics. Don’t feel pressured to donate on the spot just because a charity claims to have an urgent need. This should be especially true if the person asking for money contacts you through telemarketing calls or mail solicitations. Reputable charities will happily accept your donation when you are ready to give.
3) Contact your local first responders. If you can’t tell if a charity asking for money for police officers or firefighters will actually help those that serve your community, call your police or fire department and ask. They can tell you if they are familiar with the charity and if it supports their agency.
