Wednesday, March 28, 2001

Johnson warns residents about phone solicitors Local residents should beware of any phone solicitor claiming to represent the Fayette County Sheriff's Department and the Georgia Sheriff's Association, said Sheriff Randall Johnson. Georgia's sheriffs never solicit funds by telephone, so any person claiming to represent such groups could be attempting to conduct a scam, Johnson added. Although the Georgia Sheriff's Association does solicit memberships, it does so through the mail, Johnson said. The association sponsors the Georgia Sheriff's Youth Homes, which provide full-time residential and emergency care to hundreds of Georgia's abused abandoned and neglected children. They also provide technical resources, training and legislative support for key criminal justice issues. To verify if a charitable organization is registered with the state (as required by law), phone the Georgia Secretary of State's office at 404-656-4910. To file a complaint about frauds, phone the Governor's Office of Consumer Affairs at 1-800-869-1123. What do you think of this story? Click here to send a message to the editor. Back to News Home Page | Back to the top of the page