Scammers use bogus police group to raise money

Police warned Fayetteville residents Thursday of a scam involving phone solicitors who claim to be representing a police foundation and accepting “donations” under false pretenses.

The scammers use the guise of The Officers Down Foundation to obtain money, police said, noting most reports indicate that the calls are coming from the 727 area code in Florida.

Police said that anyone who receives phone calls from someone claiming to be from the organization should take down the information and report the incident to the North Carolina Attorney General’s Office. Residents should make donations only to charities that they have researched or are familiar with, police said.

The Fayetteville Police Foundation supports the Fayetteville Police Department, and Executive Director Robert Grover can be reached at 910-423-3731.