The Illinois Sheriff's Association is advising all Illinois residents that there is currently a phone campaign underway that is fraudulently using the name and phone numbers of the Illinois Sheriff's Association. The ISA never solicits by phone but does conduct a direct mail campaign throughout the state of Illinois endorsed by the individual Sheriff's across Illinois. This mail piece goes out in February of each year.
Telemarketing fraud costs billions of dollars each year. Phone solicitors who want you to "act immediately" or are offering a "too good to be true" opportunity are most likely fraudulent. Remember that if you have any doubts or are highly pressured - JUST HANG UP!
You have the right to ask for the following information: 1) The name, address, and phone number of the organization for which they are soliciting 2) The name, address, and phone number of the telemarketing firm 3) The percentage of every dollar paid to the telemarketing firm and 4) Insist on something in writing prior to making a pledge or commitment. If you cannot get the answers, JUST HANG UP!
Although there are some legitimate organizations that use telemarketers for their fundraising efforts the Sheriff's of Illinois, through the ISA, are adamantly opposed to police groups and associations using telemarketers to fundraise. Should you receive a call from someone saying they represent your local Sheriff or the Illinois Sheriffs' Association - JUST HANG UP!