Reminder to use Caution when Donating Money
Officers with the Sault Ste. Marie Police Services Fraud Unit have received a number calls from members of the public requesting information about groups and organizations that are raising money for various community related reasons.
The public should be aware that there is a difference between registered charitable organizations and groups that are not registered as charities that may be requesting assistance from the public.
A registered charity will always be able to provide you with an official donation receipt for any money given. Their status as a Canadian Registered Charity can be confirmed by visiting the Canadian Revenue Agency Charity Listing Websites at www.cra.gc.ca
Groups that are not registered as charities may not have any level of accountability or follow recognized procedures that govern Canadian Registered Charities.
Before you decide to donate money to a charity or group it is always a good idea to educate yourself about the group and be cautious. Don’t forget to ask questions and if you are not comfortable, remember that you are not obligated to make a donation.
Some potential warning signs associated to possible fraudulent charitable activities are:
- Inappropriate pressure to give immediately.
- Calls that thank you for a pledge that you do not remember making.
- Organizations that use names similar to popular charities.
- Canvassers who are reluctant to give you details about their organization.
- Request to send cash or a money order rather than a cheque, money order or credit card. (cash is untraceable and cannot be cancelled).
- Offers to send an overnight delivery service to collect your cash right away.
- Overfriendly canvassers who ask personal questions.
- A strange combination of call display numbers such as 123-456-7890 or 777 777 7778.
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On the 4th of April 2013 at approximately 3:30am the accused, a 27 year old male, was at his residence with his common-law partner. A verbal argument ensued. The domestic related argument escalated and the accused did flip over a coffee table breaking two glasses. The accused then assaulted the victim by grabbing her. Police were called the male was located outside the residence. He was arrested and charged with Assault and Mischief under $5.000.00. He will appear in bail court today.
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On April 3, 2013 at approximately 1:20 p.m., City Police attended in the 200 block of Spruce St. regarding a break and enter to a residence. Officers located Daniel Lepage, 24 years, of 211 Gloucester St. in the area and arrested him for the break and enter. Subsequent investigation linked Lepage to several other incidents in the 500 block of Wilson St., the 50 block of Grand River Cr., 600 block of North St. and the 500 block of Placid Ave. Lepage was charged with one count of Attempt Break and Enter, three counts of Break and Enter and Commit Theft, one count of Break and Enter with Intent and Breach of Probation. Lepage will be appearing in Bail Court on April 4, 2013.
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On April 3, 2013 at approximately 3:25 p.m., City Police attended in the downtown area regarding a domestic disturbance. A 55 year old male was found to be in the company of a female resulting in several breaches of his probation order. He was arrested and charged with three counts of Breach of Probation. He will be appearing in Bail Court on April 4, 2013.
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On April 3, 2013 officers with the Sault Ste. Marie Police Street Team and Emergency Services Unit executed a search warrant at 35 McQueen Rd. Officers located 6 grams of Psilocybin and drug paraphernalia. Kevin Whitfield, 36 years and Sara Whitfield, 36 years, of that address were arrested and charged with CDSA 4(1), possession of a controlled substance. Katelynn Bell, 20 years, also of that residence, was charged with Breach of Recognizance for failing to notify change of address. All parties will be appearing in court on May 6, 2013.
If you have any information regarding these crimes, or any other crime, call Crime Stoppers at 705-942-7867 or 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), submit an e-tip from the Crime Stoppers’ website at www.saultcrimestoppers.com or text keyword SSM with your tip to 274637. Text STOP to 274637 to cancel. Text HELP to 274637 for help. Msg & Data Rates May Apply.