Police warn of individuals attempting to solicit donations from motorists

A local police department has issued a warning involving the public donating to individuals on the street. A problem that appears to be widespread.

Chief Brian Levesque and the Dartmouth Police Department provided some safety information regarding donations.

Recently, several individuals have been attempting to solicit donations from motorists at an intersection in town. Due to ongoing litigation in Massachusetts, police are unable to remove the individuals from the roadside, but would like to provide motorists with safety information.

People cannot walk into traffic to gather money, and if observed, the Dartmouth Police Department will handle the issue on a case-by-case basis. Police also wish to remind motorists that it is illegal for drivers to stop or get out of their vehicles in a way that impedes the flow of traffic to make a donation.

The issue is far from just a Dartmouth problem.

Recently, Fall River residents discovered that people asking for donations due to a sick child, were using an older photo of a child that were not associated with the solicitors.

A panhandler in Massachusetts allegedly showed a man his thanks for a donation by attacking and robbing him.

In June, Massachusetts police made arrests after an uptick in traveling panhandlers and selling of fake merchandise across the state.

Dartmouth Police also shared the following tips from the Federal Trade Commission and usa.gov for community members who are considering donating to a charity or cause:

-Once you find a specific charity you’re considering giving to, search for complaints and look at its reviews and ratings.

-Look at the charity’s website. Does it give you details about the programs you want to support or how it uses donations? How much of your donation will go directly to support the programs you care about? If you can’t find detailed information about a charity’s mission and programs, be suspicious.

-Avoid donating to a fake charity:
1. Don’t let anyone rush you into making a donation. Scammers rush you so there’s no time to research.
2. Verify the name. Fake charities often choose names that are close to well established charities.
3. Check out the charity with your state consumer protection office or the Better Business Bureau.
4. Watch out for sentimental claims with few details. Be suspicious if you hear a lot of vague sentimental claims, for example, that the charity helps many families that can’t afford cancer treatment and veterans wounded at war who can’t work, but don’t get specifics about how your donation will be used.