617-245-9651

This phone number is calling to do fund raising for the Massachusetts Fraternal Order of Police. I have called the number.  It directs you to a customer service department that can answer questions, help you donate, or anything else related to the FOP. Also, there’s information on www.massfop.com. Plus, you can contact them there with any questions or requests.
The FOP is doing a lot of really great things for Massachusetts police officers and the people that call are trying to help them raise money so they can do even more good.

left no message

called...you would think the state would have better things to do than call disabled Army Vets like me asking for money for the police. WOW

I agree, the police have a tough job, and do a lot to protect our comunities.  However, this call was highly suspicious.  An uncolicited call that said 1) the call is being recorded ?? 2) we don't take pledges over the phone (then why record it??)  3) I can use your information on file to send you something, and 4) I don't have your address on file to protect you, please give it to me?  All the time saying, I can't hear you, let me adjust the volume.  With all the identify theft problems going on, the approach this group uses - if it is legimitate, and I'm just not sure - if very questionable.

Caller ID showed MA FOP
Anwerd phone, got a busy signal.

Best to not even answer. This is a fake "police" charity where the crooks running the call center get all the money. Embarrassment to real law enforcement. Ask any cop if they raise money this way and they will tell you THEY DO NOT.

Hang up call. When I called the Mass. Frat. Ord. of Pol. today, they did not answer their phones. Holiday??

These people call my house constantly.  When I answer there is no one there.  I took a vacation day today to get some rest and they woke me up early in the morning.

no message left. These cop fund raisers tend to be scams. To post above the state has nothing to do wiht the call.
imagine how much money cops could raise by giving 1 hour of detail pay a year to this charity

If they truly are the police, shouldn't they know that fundraising and solicitation calls prior to 9 am in Massachusetts are illegal?

Got a call this morning @ 8:30am from 617-245-9651. I thought I heard someone say my name during my outgoing message, but then nothing.

It is definitely a scam. They prey on the elderly and uninformed. Scumbags.

8:26 this morning I received a call from 1-617-245-9651.They asked to speak with my husband(first name).When I said he wasn't home the man quickly without a breath said"I'm calling for the Fraternal Order Of Police,don't worry your not in any trouble,this call is being monitored for your protection".I tried to cut in but it was difficult so I had to raise my voice to get his attention.I told him that we already got this call and so I hung up.I am sorry but when I tell you the first time that I am not able to contribute due to hard times,I don't think it is very nice to call again.Plus it sounds like they're reading from a script which makes it even more annoying.We have given in the past but unfortunately,we need every dime.

I hope everyone realizes that this guy works for this crooked telemarketing company. Legitimate charities do not keep changing their number to prevent them from being blocked and never leave a message.

They insist on speaking to you in person, because then they can use their criminal skills to sweet talk you into sending them money. Do not even answer the phone for unidentified callers.

BTW, I like cops, but they do make more than the average private sector worker.

Called for Fraternal Order of Police; Would not give complete details, although asked to a number of times (he replied to a request of "What are you calling about" with a complete repeat of his opening spiel) and informed early on that I'm recovering from surgery . . . Seemed determined to misinterpret me at every opportunity, ended call with comment that he would make a note of "it," and when I asked what, he said something like "Have a great day" and hung up.

I *really* hope that this IS a scam, and that the FOP are not paying people for "service" like this . . . but noted that the caller ID *did* read "MA FOP"

This massfop.com, which hired this telemarketer to call people for funds, is NOT a nice little policeman's club or charity. It is part of a NATIONAL POLICE LOBBYING ORGANIZATION, which pressures Congress and state legislatures on behalf of police for legislation, salaries, grants and benefits, often against taxpayer interests.

Sounds like the MA FOP are the real deal- they talk to and treat people like cops do.

They're not getting anything from me.

I heard this was a scam.  DO NOT give any information or money online.  Contact your local police department for information if you really want to donate to such a charity.  You can be confident that your money won't be going where you think.

DNC – Third Party Callers on behalf of Charities

However, if a third-party telemarketer is calling on behalf of a charity, a consumer may ask not to receive any more calls from, or on behalf of, that specific charity. If a third-party telemarketer calls again on behalf of that charity, the telemarketer may be subject to a fine of up to $16,000 .



INFO ON CHARITY SCAMS

Feds, States Target Charity Scams
Bogus telemarketers claim to help police, firefighters, veterans
Read more: http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2009/05/ftc_charity.html#ixzz0NVdJ10Qx

Massachusetts Puts Charity Telemarketers On Hold
Consumers not told fundraisers were pros

http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2009/06 ... ixzz0LA5gEkHH&D


California Sues Charities For Stealing Donations To Public Servants
Multiple lawsuits agains telemarketers, donors for deceptive practices and fraud.

http://www.consumeraffairs.com/scam_alerts/scam_alerts.htm#ixzz0LA5vSxWI&D


States Warn Against Dubious Charities
Attorneys General warn citizens about professional solicitors


December 9, 2009

Consumers have to walk something of a tightrope this time of year. Holidays are always an expensive time, yet many want to support charities and worthwhile causes. But the last thing you want to do is have your contribution line the pockets of the solicitor.
In Oregon, Attorney General John Kroger unveiled a list of Oregon's 20 Worst Charities and offered tips to consumers on how to donate wisely.
"In the middle of a recession, it is more important than ever that generous Oregonians make charitable contributions to organizations that help veterans and others who are in need," Kroger said. "It is critical, however, that people donate wisely. Although many charities do great work, some are little more than scams with good-sounding names but that do little to actually help the people they claim to support."
State law requires charities to file periodic financial reports with the Oregon Department of Justice disclosing how much money the organization raised and how the funds were spent. The Department's Charitable Activities Section has identified 20 organizations (see attached) that spent more than 75 percent of the donations they collected on administrative costs and professional fundraising.
While guidelines issued by the Better Business Bureau (BBB) suggest that charitable organizations should spend at least 65 percent of their funds on charitable programs, every charity on the Department of Justice's list devoted less than 25 percent of their expenditures on charitable program activities.
One organization near the top of the list, Shiloh International Ministries, solicits donations to provide medical necessities and other support to needy children, veterans, and homeless persons. According to the most recent financial filings, the California-based nonprofit spent an average of $1,023,215 per year, 96.35 percent of which went to management and fundraising.
Kentucky concerns
Unscrupulous charity solicitations are not just confined to one area of the country. With double-digit unemployment rates in Kentucky, for example, more Kentucky families are in need of a helping hand this holiday season.
Kentucky Attorney General Jack Conway says people who give to a charity should give wisely. Unfortunately, he says, there are unscrupulous or even fraudulent charities that prey on the generosity of Kentuckians.
"Every dollar donated to a reputable charity can make a difference in the life of someone who may be struggling to put food on the table or clothe a child," Conway said. "Irresponsible or fraudulent charities not only take advantage of the kindness of hard-working Kentuckians, they deprive those who need our help. Before you decide whether a charity deserves your donation, gather as much information as possible to make sure the charity is not a scam and that your donation reaches someone in need."
Both Kroger and Conway offer these tips for wise holiday giving:
• Donate to charities you know and trust.
• Be cautious of sound-alike charities and solicitors unable to answer questions.
• Always ask what percentage of your dollar goes to the cause.
• Don't be pressured into making a donation.
• Ask if the charity or solicitor is registered with the Office of the Attorney General.


Read more: http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2009/12 ... l#ixzz0ZI59oXXw

When I actually pick up their calls I tell them I will be happy to donate if they send a request by mail or send a police officer to my door with proper identification.  So far I've never received a letter or had an officer come to my door. The Boston Police Department told me they have no association with this "charity."

These people call frequently.  Do not give them any personal information.  I have seen other numbers for MA FOP with posts suggesting you block their number.  Perhaps as soon as too many people block their number they change to another number?