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The Onalaska Police Department is warning citizens to be alert for a scam operating in the area. Unknown parties have been contacting citizens claiming to be raising money to purchase bullet-proof vests for Onalaska police officers.
"We currently have no fundraising effort under way for bullet-proof vests. Those items are budgeted for in the annual Police Department budget," said Police Chief Jeff Trotnic. "The only fundraiser that the Onalaska Police Department is currently involved in is a golf tournament for our K-9 Unit."
Telephone scam artists purporting to represent various charities or events are common and the elderly are often favorite targets, police said in a press release.
"We have had reports of various scams in the area," said Chad Marcon, an investigator for the department. "We had one group contacting people claiming that a relative, usually a grandchild, was in trouble in another state and needed money to get home.
"It’s amazing how effective this is and there are many people who never report the scam because they are ashamed that they were taken advantage of," he said.
Police are advising residents to be cautious when they are contacted by someone who claims to be raising money. Always verify that the organization is legitimate and that the person you are talking to actually represents the charity. Also, never give credit card information to a telephone solicitor.
Citizens are advised to alert the Onalaska Police Department if they are contacted by someone claiming to be raising money for bullet-proof vests.
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