Davis police are warning the public about a possible scam involving solicitors who claim to help underprivileged kids, but appear to be stealing from their donors instead.
According to Lt. Glenn Glasgow, the Police Department received complaints in June and July from two residents who reported being the victims of fraud. Both said they were visited by a man in his early 20s who said he was soliciting donations for Urban Development Solutions, a charitable organization that assists underprivileged youths.
“When the victims presented the male subject with their donations in the form of a check, they later discovered the amount of the check was altered to read a higher payment,” Glasgow said in a news release. “In addition, the subject added his name to the check in order to obtain cash.”
In both cases, the solicitor was described as an African-American male, 20 to 25 years old, standing 5-foot-6 to 5-foot-8 and nicely dressed, wearing an ID badge around his neck.
Police urge anyone who may have contributed money to this organization to check their bank account to ensure the amount written is properly reflected on that check, and that it has not been altered. Anyone who believes they have been victimized should file a report with the Davis Police Department, 530-747-5400, or their local law-enforcement agency.
Glasgow said citizens should always ask for proper identification when visited by solicitors, who are required by the city to obtain permits prior to walking through the community. If anyone feels uncomfortable with a solicitor, or they do not have the proper credentials, they are asked to call the Police Department.