Donor beware
by TP staff
Nov 09, 2010 | 2070 views | 3 3 comments | 12 12 recommendations | email to a friend | print
Scammers are at it again, city officials said today, and this time a group of individuals representing the “Homeless Veteran’s Association” is soliciting donations supposedly to benefit homeless veterans.

The city of Tracy was informed by a representative of the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars that so-called Homeless Veteran’s Association volunteers are asking people for money in the Tracy area.

While it is close in name to several legitimate groups, no record of the Homeless Veteran’s Association can be found, officials said.

Anyone who has come into contact with a representative of the group is asked to call the Tracy Police Department, 831-4550.

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Sneaky
|
November 11, 2010
The best bet is not to give a damn thing to any charity, even those that are not blatant frauds. Almost all of them waste huge percentages on administration and overhead. Its much more efficient to give directly to individuals in need. Plus your money is sure to reach the intended recipient. If you just have to give through an organized group then do it by donating your time instead of money. If you just have to donate money then at least confirm that at least 95% of it will go to whatever the cause is, rather than to admin..
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NewBern
|
November 10, 2010
These people are at Safeway all the time. Why is Safeway not running them out? Same thing with WalMart. A group has been collecting there for underpriveleged for quite some time, yet it has been in the TP lately that they have become rude and aggressive. I'd have to assume, by reading the paper, that this WalMart group is not legit either. The stores need to put a stop to it, or the consumer will go elsewhere. I know I do. I certainly have plenty to choose from.
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tracyresdnt
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November 10, 2010
One of these guys called me last week. sounded very sincere. He said that the group was going to have people in the Tracy area this coming Thursday 11/11 to collect the donations in person. He called my unlisted number, asked for me by name, and knew my address. Their visit tomorrow should be interesting.
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