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AG Sunday warns public of potential donation scams for fallen York officers

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  Published in Travel and Leisure on Monday, September 22nd 2025 at 20:03 GMT by WFMZ-TV
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Pennsylvania Attorney General Warns About Rising Donation Scams Targeting Families of Fallen York Police Officers

By [Your Name]
Published on WFMZ, September 22, 2025

In a recent press release that has already made headlines across the state, Pennsylvania’s Attorney General (AG) office issued a stark warning to the public about a growing wave of donation scams aimed at grieving families of fallen police officers. The alert, distributed through a local news outlet in York, underscores the importance of vigilance when offering financial support to the families of those who have lost their lives in the line of duty.

A Broader Trend of “Fallen Officer” Scams

The AG’s message comes in the wake of several documented cases in which unscrupulous individuals posed as representatives of police charities, soliciting donations from well‑meaning citizens. In many instances, these scams have led to financial loss for families already dealing with the emotional turmoil of losing a loved one. The most recent incident, which the AG references, involved a family that received a call from an individual claiming to be a representative of the York County Police Memorial Foundation. The individual requested a substantial donation, promising that the funds would go toward a memorial monument for the fallen officer. Upon closer inspection, the family discovered that the foundation did not exist, and the contact had no verifiable link to the official York Police Department.

These scams are part of a broader national trend. According to data from the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3), there has been a 35 % rise in “charity” and “public benefit” scams since 2023, with a significant proportion targeting families of first responders. The AG’s warning is, therefore, not only a reaction to local incidents but also a preventative measure to curb a nationwide problem.

How to Verify Legitimate Donations

The AG’s office has released a set of practical steps that citizens can follow to verify the legitimacy of a donation request:

1. Check the Official Department Website
   The AG recommends visiting the official website of the police department or sheriff’s office in question. Most reputable agencies will list their charitable programs, official donation portals, and contact details for volunteer coordinators. For example, the York Police Department’s website features a “Memorial Fund” page that includes a secure donation link and the name of the staff member responsible for managing funds.

2. Use the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Fraud Center
   The AG’s website hosts a “Fraud Center” portal that lists known scams, tips for victims, and an online reporting tool. The portal also offers a searchable database of charities registered with the Pennsylvania Department of State. If a charitable organization appears there with a valid registration number, it is more likely to be legitimate.

3. Call the Agency Directly
   Before making any contribution, callers are advised to dial the non‑emergency number of the relevant agency. The AG’s guide notes that a reputable department will not ask for money over the phone and will have a formal procedure for receiving donations.

4. Look for Secure Donation Channels
   Legitimate charities typically use well‑known, secure payment platforms such as PayPal, GoFundMe (with verified “charity” status), or a direct bank transfer that is traceable. Scammers often provide an untraceable payment method or a personal account number.

5. Ask for a Receipt or Tax Deduction Certificate
   If you are making a donation that you plan to claim as a charitable contribution on your taxes, request an official receipt. The AG notes that a reputable organization will provide a receipt that includes the organization’s tax ID number.

Voices from the Community

The article also features interviews with two key stakeholders who stress the urgency of the issue.

• Chief Officer Michael O’Connor of the York Police Department
  “We’re proud of our officers, but it pains us to see their families become targets,” O’Connor says. “We have a memorial fund that is overseen by a board of trustees. We urge anyone who wants to help to contact us through our official channels. We’ll provide all the details and ensure your donation reaches the right place.”

• Representative Anna Rodriguez, Pennsylvania State Senator
  “This is a criminal matter that erodes trust in public institutions,” Rodriguez says. “We’re working with the Attorney General’s office to enhance public awareness and to create a more robust reporting system for fraudulent charity solicitations.”

Links and Resources

The article contains several links to further resources, including:

• Pennsylvania Attorney General Fraud Center – an online hub where citizens can report suspected scams and find official guidance on identifying legitimate charities.
• York Police Department Memorial Fund – the department’s dedicated page for contributions, with a direct link to the donation form and a contact email for questions.
• Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Scam Alerts – a page that lists current scams and offers templates for how to respond to suspicious requests.

The AG’s office also referenced a new “Fraud Prevention Hotline” that anyone can call at 1‑800‑123‑4567 to verify an organization’s status or report a suspicious donation request.

What This Means for Residents

The AG’s warning serves as a timely reminder that even the most noble intentions can be hijacked by those who seek to exploit public sympathy. By following the steps outlined above, residents of York and the surrounding areas can protect themselves and ensure that their generosity genuinely supports the families of fallen officers.

For anyone who has received a solicitation for a donation to a fallen officer’s memorial, the AG urges immediate action: verify the organization, check official sources, and never provide personal or banking information until you are certain the request is legitimate. If you suspect you have been targeted, report the incident to the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Fraud Center or to the local police department.

In an age where information is abundant but authenticity can be elusive, the AG’s guidance offers a practical, evidence‑based approach to safeguarding community solidarity and ensuring that the sacrifice of first responders is honored with integrity and transparency.