SACRAMENTO POLICE DEPARTMENT News Release
		Release #09-24-02 September 24, 2002 For Immediate Release
						Media Office 916-433-0808  Capt. Sam Somers Sgt. Justin Risley, PIO AA Audrey Lee PCIII Cheryl Moore Internet: www.sacpd.org

The Sacramento Police Department is asking the public to beware of subjects soliciting for money.

Between August 22, 2002, and September 10, 2002, the Sacramento Police Department has received reports of subjects going door to door, as well as soliciting in front of businesses for monetary donations for a variety of programs.  The subjects wear an official looking “YMCA” name tag.  Additionally, the suspects have been handing out a donation information form explaining the reason and purpose of the donation.  On several occasions the suspects claimed they were raising money for a youth basketball program.

The YMCA does not solicit donations in this manner. 

The Sacramento Police Department has arrested one male, juvenile (17 years old) who will be charged with Fraudulent Solicitation for charitable, religious or eleemosynary purpose (532 d P.C.).

The Sacramento Police Department is asking the public to be skeptical of giving donations without first checking the authenticity of the cause.  One recommendation is to call the organization prior to making a donation.  Be sure to use your own phone number and not one supplied by the solicitor.

Anyone with information or who may have been a victim of this scam is urged to call the Sacramento Police Department Financial Crimes Unit at 433-0535.

Sergeant Justin Risley
09-24-02