In the Milton Canadian Champion yesterday it was reported that there have been calls in the area soliciting funds and donations for the Royal Canadian Legion. This happened several times leading up to the Remembrance Day parade at Victoria Park and be aware that the Legion does NOT use this method to raise funds.
If you do receive a call like this, please report it to the police immediately. It’s incredibly sad that people will go to stoop as low as to use the Legion as a tool to steal money. The same caution should be used with all unsolicited phone calls asking for money, credit card numbers or banking information.
Here’s the story from the Champion.
Caller seeks donations for legion
Police say it’s a scam as legion doesn’t solicit funds over phone
Residents are being warned to beware of fundraising scams after a local man was telephoned by an imposter soliciting donations on behalf of the Royal Canadian Legion.Joe Auger said he received a phone call at 7:15 p.m. Thursday — a week before Remembrance Day — by a professional-sounding ‘fundraiser.’
Auger said the conversation started off as a normal telemarketing call until the young man on the other end told him he had donated $25 to the legion last year and asked that he donate $50 this year.
“I knew it was bull right then and there,” said the 71-year-old. “I’ve never given money to the legion over the phone. If I ever wanted to give them money I would walk down there and do it in person.”
Auger said after the financial request, the caller said the legion was losing 500 members each year and needed help.
“It was at that point I said no and hung up,” he said. “My wife and I don’t give out our credit card (number) over the phone. I know a few guys from the legion so I told them the next day what had happened, one of them reported it to the police.
“I think this sort of scam is a disgrace. The worst part is that it hurts other charities that are actually trying to collect for a good cause.”
Cliff Conor, who reported the incident to police, echoed Auger’s sentiments. “This is fraud,” said the 68-year-old veteran and legion member. “It’s a terrible thing to try and use the legion at this time of year. This person should be ashamed of himself. It’s despicable.”
A spokesperson for the local legion confirmed it doesn’t conduct telephone soliciations. Det. Sgt. Murray Drinkwalter said he wants residents, especially seniors, to beware of fraud artists.
“This is a disturbing incident. If people get these phone calls make sure you get a name and ask for a call back number. This way people can return phone calls to ensure the charity is a bona fide one.
“If people choose to donate over the phone, they must be sure they know who you are dealing with.” He added that this was the first incident of this sort involving the legion he has heard about.
Anyone who has received a similar phone call is asked to contact police at (905) 878-5511.