Police Warn About Telephone Scam

A phone scam that has callers encouraging residents to donate money to help the Spokane Police Department is operating in the area, police said.

The callers claim the donations will be used to buy equipment, patrol cars and uniforms.

Spokesman Dick Cottam said the department never solicits money by telephone and its equipment is provided through regular annual budgets.

If residents receive requests for donations either by phone or mail, they should check with the state attorney general’s office, Cottam said. The number is 456-3123.

Residents should also ask the solicitors for a telephone number and company name, Cottam said. If the callers don’t provide such specifics, he said, residents should be skeptical.