SAULT STE MARIE – Crime – Officers with the Sault Ste. Marie Police Services Fraud Unit have received a number calls from members of the public requesting information about groups and organizations that are raising money for various community related reasons.
The public should be aware that there is a difference between registered charitable organizations and groups that are not registered as charities that may be requesting assistance from the public.
Sault Ste Marie Police warn of scams
A registered charity will always be able to provide you with an official donation receipt for any money given. Their status as a Canadian Registered Charity can be confirmed by visiting the Canadian Revenue Agency Charity Listing Websites at www.cra.gc.ca
Groups that are not registered as charities may not have any level of accountability or follow recognized procedures that govern Canadian Registered Charities.
Before you decide to donate money to a charity or group it is always a good idea to educate yourself about the group and be cautious. Don’t forget to ask questions and if you are not comfortable, remember that you are not obligated to make a donation.
Some potential warning signs associated to possible fraudulent charitable activities are:
- Inappropriate pressure to give immediately.
- Calls that thank you for a pledge that you do not remember making.
- Organizations that use names similar to popular charities.
- Canvassers who are reluctant to give you details about their organization.
- Request to send cash or a money order rather than a cheque, money order or credit card. (cash is untraceable and cannot be cancelled).
- Offers to send an overnight delivery service to collect your cash right away.
- Overfriendly canvassers who ask personal questions.
- A strange combination of call display numbers such as 123-456-7890 or 777 777 7778.
Additionally, on the 4th of April 2013 at approximately 3:30am the accused, a 27 year old male, was at his residence with his common-law partner. A verbal argument ensued. The domestic related argument escalated and the accused did flip over a coffee table breaking two glasses. The accused then assaulted the victim by grabbing her. Police were called the male was located outside the residence. He was arrested and charged with Assault and Mischief under $5.000.00. He will appear in bail court today.
If you have any information regarding these crimes, or any other crime, call Crime Stoppers at 705-942-7867 or 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), submit an e-tip from the Crime Stoppers’ website at www.saultcrimestoppers.com or text keyword SSM with your tip to 274637. Text STOP to 274637 to cancel. Text HELP to 274637 for help.
