Keystone Today

Last week, Attorney General Josh Shapiro issued a warning to residents that there are fake fundraising calls going out that say they're benefiting the families of fallen State Police troopers Martin F. Mack and Branden T. Sisca, who were killed in the line of duty in Philadelphia on Interstate 95.

According to a March 24 release, the Pennsylvania State Trooper Association is the only official organization representing and serving state troopers. It does not use telephone calls to solicit fundraising.

“As Pennsylvanians look to support the families of the fallen Pennsylvania State Troopers who were tragically killed on Monday morning, scammers may be taking advantage of your generosity,” said AG Shapiro. “This kind of scam is not only despicable – it’s against the law. These scams are not only to get your hard earned dollars meant to go to a good cause, but a way to steal your personal information. Report these scams to my office by calling (717) 783-2853 or on our website.”

Shapiro said that fraudsters will go to “unscrupulous depths” to profit off of other peoples’ misfortunes. He said people should not give on impulse; not provide personal information; get as much information as you can from the caller by asking who they are, where they are calling from, if they are paid to make the call and if they have been authorized by the families and Pennsylvania State Police Troopers Association to ask for donations; ask if they are registered with the Department of State; and end the call by saying you will confirm the information before deciding. 

He then instructs people in this scenario to report the call and whatever information was given to the Attorney General’s office by calling 717-783-2853 or by submitting a complaint on the office’s website.

Anyone who would like to make a donation to the Pennsylvania State Troopers Association can do so at www.troopershelpingtroopers.org.