AUSTIN, Texas (AP) _ An analysis of donations secured by telemarketers who say they’re working on behalf of Texas police organizations shows much of the money collected by phone solicitors may never reach the people it’s intended to help.
The Austin-American Statesman says some companies who employ solicitors appealing to the sympathy of people who answer their phone calls keep up to 80 percent of the money raised to cover fundraising costs. The newspaper reported Sunday (http://bit.ly/xEg1q6 ) that what’s left over often leaves few dollars for direct aid to officers, which is the pitch made by groups claiming to represent law enforcement agencies.
The newspaper found fundraisers have little oversight or regulation and often use names that sound like official agencies or say they aid fallen officers.
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