Scam alert

The Better Business Bureau of North Alabama issued a warning Friday about solicitation calls from a political action committee disguised as a law enforcement charity.

Tricia Pruitt, regional vice president with the BBB, said her organization has recently received inquiries from residents who had received a call from American for Police and Trooper Safety. She said the solicitor talks about the recent police shootings and asks for a donation to support police and trooper safety.

Most of the calls reported in North Alabama appear to be coming from a 251 area code.

“In investigating this ‘charity,’ the BBB finds that it is not a charity at all but a political action committee registered with the Federal Election Commission,” Pruitt said. “In filings with the FEC, American for Police and Trooper Safety did not show one dime spent on contributions or ads supporting candidates running for office. The majority of their expenditures were on operating expenses, not on supporting the cause for which the donation was made.”

As the 2020 election cycle approaches, Pruitt said it’s likely solicitation calls on hot-button issues will continue. She added the BBB urges anyone who receives a call to ask questions, including if the caller is soliciting for a charity.

“If they are, they should be able to give you their registration information with the state of Alabama Attorney General’s Office and be more than willing to mail you information about what they do,” Pruitt said. “They should also willingly tell you what percent of your dollar goes to the cause.”

She also advised anyone who receives a call to take down the caller’s name, the group he or she is fundraising for and “check them out thoroughly” on the BBB’s website (www.bbb.org) or give.org. Those considering giving may also call the BBB at 256-533-1640 before making a donation.