The Parsons Police Department is issuing a warning to citizens about a questionable fundraising letter circulating in our community. The letter claims to be from the National Police Association, soliciting funds purportedly to support our local police department. While the National Police Association is a 501©3 non-profit organization, it received a 'Zero-Star Rating" (very poor) from the Charity Navigator which ranks more than 225,000 charities nationwide. This scam has been reported in various regions, including Manhattan, Kansas, and Trenton, Michigan, as far back as 2019.

Chief Robert Spinks of the Parsons Police Department emphasized the importance of vigilance in identifying and avoiding such questionable charities. He stated, "Questionable fundraisers and/or scams targeting unsuspecting individuals and communities are unfortunately prevalent in today's digital age. It's crucial for everyone to exercise caution and verify the legitimacy of any solicitation, especially when it involves donations to support law enforcement."

The suspect letter typically includes persuasive language urging recipients to make donations to support local law enforcement efforts. However, the National Police Association has stated that they are not fraudulent with these solicitations in any way. Citizens should know that if they donate money to the National Police Association that group is not funding any program administered by the Parsons Police Department.

Chief Spinks further urged residents to spread awareness about these questionable fundraisers to prevent others from falling victim. "By staying informed and sharing information within our community, we can collectively combat these fraudulent schemes and protect our neighbors from financial harm," he added.

The Parsons Police Department encourages citizens to remain vigilant and cautious when receiving unsolicited correspondence or donation requests. For any concerns or inquiries regarding potential scams, individuals are encouraged to contact the Parsons Police Department at (620) 421-7060

Remember, safeguarding our community against scams begins with awareness and informed action.       

Individuals who want to contribute toward the community good should reach out to the Parsons Area Community Foundation (PACF). PACF has been a highly rated non-profit 501 (c)(3) serving the Parsons area since 1996.

"The PACF is one of the best small town community foundations I've seen in my travels," according to Spinks, "Executive Director Becky Dantic is a professional to work with, the Executive Board has solid community leaders, and it connects donors to community needs. Best yet, it keeps local donations, local so our area sees direct benefits to our citizens. To learn more about the PACF and their great work, visit their web site at: https://www.parsonsareacf.org/

This continues to be an on-going investigation and citizens are encouraged to "See It, Hear It, Report It." All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. If anyone has any further information on this incident or any other criminal activity, please contact the Parsons Police Department at 421-7060 or call the Tip Line at 421-7057 or email at tips@parsonspd.com.

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