Reputable Law Enforcement Organizations Solicit By Mail, Not By Phone, Official Says

by Patricia A. Miller

Residents who receive phone calls from so-called law enforcement agencies asking for donations would be better off just hanging up the phone, Township Council L. Thomas Grosse Jr. said.

Grosse - who is a detective with the Toms River Police Department - issued the warning at the April 21 Township Council meeting.

"They are all fake," Grosse said.

While it is not illegal to solicit funds by phone, usually only one percent of donations collected are put to good use, he said.

"The proper way it's done is it (request for donations) in your mailbox," Grosse said. "That's the right way to do it. Send the envelope in with the check. If you do receive a phone call, just hang up."