Local law enforcement agencies warn of police fundraising scam

MIDDLETON, Mass. — The Essex County Sheriff’s Office and Middleton Police have issued a fundraising scam alert. The alert comes after residents in Middleton reported receiving a letter soliciting money from a group calling themselves “The United States Deputy Sheriff’s Association” based out of Wichita, Kansas.

The group claims to raise money to supply equipment such as bulletproof vests and body armor to local police and sheriff’s departments. However, officials say they have nothing to do with this, and have not received any donations from the group.

“We are not associated with this fundraiser and we have never received a dime from this organization,” Essex County Sheriff Kevin Coppinger said in a news release on Friday.

Coppinger added, “This is just another phony solicitation using our Department to deceive well-intentioned people of their hard-earned money.”

Middleton Police Chief James DiGianvittorio is also urging caution before making a donation.

“This is just another attempt by overly aggressive marketers to try and appear legitimate while taking your money,” Chief DiGianvittorio said.

According to the news release, Consumer Reports put the group on its 2019 list of “Worst Charities for your Donations.”

Cox Media Group