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| Caught on Camera  Crime Solvers of Franklin County is offering a reward of up to $2,000 in an incident of retail theft at the Chambersburg Walmart store. » more
 Police in Harrisburg hope somone can identify their suspects in a strong arm robbery in which two city residents were repeatedly punched and kicked once they were knocked to the ground. » more
 Police are investigating whether a robbery in Carlisle this morning was committed by the same people responsible for as many as ten other hold-ups in Cumberland, Dauphin and York counties. » more
 Police are looking for the man who stole an undetermined amount of jewelry from the Boscov's department store in the Lebanon Valley Mall. » more
 Police say they are investigating the theft of two desktop computers from the Inpatient Access Department of the Penn State Hershey Medical Center. » more
 Police in Dauphin County are trying to identify a woman they accuse of cashing more than $7,000 in counterfeit checks. » more
 Pennsylvania Capitol Police are attempting to identify a woman suspected in the theft of credit cards, gift cards and $120 from a purse located in the Health and Welfare Building in Harrisburg. » more
 Police investigating a hit and run crash that critically injured a motorcyclist in Lancaster say they have new evidence in the case. » more
 Police are investigating a robbery in which two people displayed a knife and demanded money and cigarettes from the clerk of a Lancaster County convenience store. » more
 Police are asking for help identifying a man photographed by surveillance cameras during a robbery incident at a motel in Cumberland County. » more
 Police are asking for help in identifying a suspect in a purse snatching incident in Spring Grove, York County. » more
 Police are attempting to identify two people suspected of making more than $3,500 in purchases with stolen debit cards. » more | Protect Yourself from Fraud 1. Don't believe in something for nothing or too good to be true offers. You only get what you pay for. 2. Be suspicious of high-pressure sales efforts, especially if they say you must act today or miss out on the deal. 3. Don't reveal personal or financial matters to survey teams. 4. Before contributing to charities, check to see if they are legitimate. 5. Never withdraw your money at the urging of strangers. Contact you bank officials if anyone requests you withdraw money as part of an investigation. 6. Never give out personal information and credit card numbers over the phone unless you are the one who made the call. Source: Pa. State Police |
| Charitable Giving Know your charity Do not be tricked by an impressive-sounding name or one that is similar to a well-known charity. Too many "charities" try to take advantage of another charity's good name and reputation by using an almost identical name, symbol or logo. Know how your money will be spent Before donating, ask for and read printed materials about the charity's finances and programs. Find out how much of your donation actually goes to helping people and program services, as opposed to fundraising and administrative expenses. All charities should have a printed annual report that includes this information, and should provide you with a copy if you ask. Know your charity's goals Make sure you agree with the purpose of the charity. You may wish to support a research-oriented charity, as opposed to a "patient service" charity, or one that only provides public education. Give to a charity that best fits your goals. Telephone solicitors Because telephone solicitations are typically conducted by paid professional fundraisers on behalf of the charity, ask the caller if he is paid or a volunteer and how much the charity receives of each dollar donated. For example, if tickets to a benefit show are being sold with the promise of underprivileged children attending for free, ask how many children will attend the event, how they are chosen, whether free transportation will be provided, and if an accompanying adult is also admitted for free. Door-to-door solicitors Demand identification. Do not feel pressured by the person at your door. The best practice is to mail your donation directly to the charity. Beware of sweepstakes Sweepstakes are very often not what they claim to be. "Guaranteed prizes" often have a value of 10 cents or less and probably won't even cover the cost of your postage. Read the small print because it will usually reveal that your chance of winning is incredibly low. Do not be pressured into giving Take time to think about your donation. High-pressure tactics and sob stories often are the signs of unscrupulous operators. Unordered merchandise You have no obligation to pay for greeting cards, tickets, advertising, merchandise or any other item you never asked for, nor are you obligated to return them. What to do before giving Make sure the charity has complied with Pennsylvania's registration law by registering with the Bureau of Charitable Organizations, Department of State, as most charities are required to do. Method of payment If you decide to contribute, pay by check. Make the check out to the charity, not to a company or the individual collecting the donations. Never pay cash or use your credit card number. Source: Pa. Attorney General's Office |
