[Topspinmo]

Beware, phone scam pretending to be Florida highway patrol asking for donations. They got pretty good one, had me sucked in till they wanted my credit card number over the phone. That sealed it. I hung up legit or not. Which I doubt it is?

[skip0358]

I get at least one call a day lately from someone begging for money. Just remember when someone asks if this is ___ DON'T SAY YES just ask who is this then you'll hear their scam speech. Saying yes you could be agreeing to anything. Then tell them your contacting your attorney now take me off your list.

[Carl in Tampa]

Originally Posted by Topspinmo

Beware, phone scam pretending to be Florida highway patrol asking for donations. They got pretty good one, had me sucked in till they wanted my credit card number over the phone. That sealed it. I hung up legit or not. Which I doubt it is?

The Florida Highway Patrol is funded by the State and needs no contributions from the public.

Various associations, clubs, unions, and benevolent organizations do include Florida Highway Patrol in their names. Some hire professional fund raisers to make calls to residences in an attempt to obtain contributions.

I have never, no will I ever, contribute to one of these private entities.

[Trayderjoe]

Originally Posted by Carl in Tampa

The Florida Highway Patrol is funded by the State and needs no contributions from the public.

Various associations, clubs, unions, and benevolent organizations do include Florida Highway Patrol in their names. Some hire professional fund raisers to make calls to residences in an attempt to obtain contributions.

I have never, no will I ever, contribute to one of these private entities.

I agree. As it turns out, very little of any money you would potentially donate actually gets to the entity for which the donations are supposedly designated. The majority of the money goes to the professional fund raisers as overhead costs. Better to make a direct donation where you feel the money is worthwhile.

[ColdNoMore]

Originally Posted by Trayderjoe

I agree. As it turns out, very little of any money you would potentially donate actually gets to the entity for which the donations are supposedly designated. The majority of the money goes to the professional fund raisers as overhead costs. Better to make a direct donation where you feel the money is worthwhile.

There is some type of 'Veteran' charity that has apparently received a permit...to set up shop at Florida rest areas.

I don't recall the exact 'charity' name right now, but when I tried to look them up on Charity Navigator....they weren't even there.

Charity Navigator - Your Guide To Intelligent Giving | Home

I talked to one of the guys and he said that he actually had to pay his own expenses, including food and motel room...just to sit around and try to get donations from motorists.

I gave the guy $20 with a promise from him...that he would use it to buy himself a nice dinner.

The least the state could do, would be to vet the supposed charities...they let hang out at rest areas.