Numerous inquiries and complaints concerning the solicitation of funds by telephone have been received by Lincoln County Sheriff Gerald Lawson and the Georgia Sheriffs' Association (GSA).

The GSA and Georgia Sheriffs' Youth Homes, Inc. (GSYH) never raise funds through the use of telephone solicitations.

"If anyone phones you claiming they are affiliated with one of these organizations, it is a fraud," according to Sheriff Lawson. "The United States mail is the only means used by these groups to raise money."

Although it is legal for businesses and associations to solicit by telephone, the sheriffs of Georgia do not endorse fund-raising projects or advertising sales conducted by telephone and do not find it an acceptable practice for any organization representing a law enforcement group or association.

"Fraudulent telephone and advertising schemes are used to rip off hundreds of millions of dollars nationwide from unsuspecting businesses and individuals," Sheriff Lawson said.

He then advised local residents to use the following precautions when receiving telephone solicitations:

Ask questions. Honest businesses and organizations do not mind questions.

Ask the solicitor what percentage of funds raised actually goes to the charity and what percentage is used for fund raising.

Request a list of the board of directors for the organization the solicitor is representing.

Do not buy or pledge anything by phone. Ask that the offer or donation request be mailed to you in writing before any money changes hands.

Be very cautious of anyone using "runners" to pick up contributions to avoid using the United States mail.

Any reputable organization should be happy to furnish you with a copy of its annual report. Also, ask for a copy of the IRS letter stating that the organization is a 501(c)3 tax exempt organization.

If the caller says he is representing a certain law enforcement group or organization, have him furnish you with the name of the law enforcement agency that is sponsoring the fundraising project and request an address and telephone number so you can verify the endorsement.

Do not be fooled by promotional materials that look "professional" or use names similar to well-known companies or governmental agencies.

"There are state agencies that individuals may call to verify or complain about telephone solicitors," stated Sheriff Lawson. "All charitable organizations must first register with the Secretary of State's office before they can raise funds in Georgia."

To verify whether an organization is registered with the Secretary of State, contact the Charitable Organizations Division of the Secretary of State's office at 1-404-656-4910. Those who need to file a complaint involving possible fraud should contact the Governor's Office of Consumer Affairs at 1-800-869-1123.