One of the most common ways for organizations to raise money is through solicitations to businesses and average citizens. Whether it’s for school groups, churches, or civic clubs, going door-to-door is an easy and immediate way to get funds for various projects.

A few weeks ago, however, some local business establishments discovered that not all solicitations are truly what they seem.

According to a report filed with the Selma Police Department by Stapp and Stapp Public Accountants on July 9, at least one man has been asking businesses for money for an organization that may not exist.

The report states that an unknown individual claiming to be from the Family and Friends Provision Center entered the accounting firm with an explanation that he had been promised a donation from the company for an upcoming event.

The man received a donation and left a flyer with a 1-800 number on it as a receipt. When someone at office attempted to call the number and received no response, the check was canceled. Earlier that day at the nearby law offices of Fred McCormick and P. Vaughan Russell, this same individual had also come by requesting a promised donation.

Only this time, he did not leave with a check.

“This man came in wearing a red apron, and said he made an appointment with my partner Fred McCormick. He claimed McCormick was supposed to give him a donation to Friends and Family,” said attorney Vaughan Russell. ” We knew this couldn’t have been true because McCormick had been on vacation.”

Russell added that the firm has a policy against giving donations to any type organization.

“I can donate as an individual, but the firm does not give out donations,” Russell said.

Russell said he believes the man may have visited other businesses along Alabama Avenue, but does not know if anyone else gave him money.

Selma Police Chief Robert Green said these types of criminals depend on their victim’s reluctance to admit they have been duped.

“By not reporting this crime, the criminal is free to cheat others,” Green said. “I encourage anyone who comes in contact with suspicious persons or anyone who has been swindled to contact the police immediately.”

Sgt. Doug Stewart of the SPD Crime Prevention Office said all citizens should be extremely cautious about giving money to strangers.

He recommends that prior to making donations, people should be familiar with the organizations or individuals asking for money.

Stewart said people should ask themselves “S.C.A.M” questions before donating.

S: Stranger-are you familiar with the person or company?

C: Contact-did they make the first contact instead of you?

A: Act-Now-are you pressured into acting now or are you told this is your last chance?

M: Money up front-are you being told that the money is needed up front?

“If your answer is yes to any of these questions,” Stewart said. “Then proceed with caution.”

Even with the recent confusion over the legitimacy of this so-called non-profit organization, Russell said it is no reason for companies to stop making donations.

“Even though there is the bind in the community with people having problems, it is possible this organization could be real. There are lot of good organizations out there that really do need peoples help.”