Athens Cops: Beware of Roadway Solicitors

Athens-Clarke County Police issued a special media release Monday concerning recent reports of people soliciting money in the area of Atlanta Highway and Timothy Road. Victims told police the alleged scammers were asking for money in the roadway, saying they represented a faith-based organization based in Atlanta.

ATHENS-CLARKE COUNTY POLICE DEPARTMENT SPECIAL MEDIA RELEASE

12 January 2015

BEWARE OF PERSONS SOLICITING FROM THE ROADWAY

Over the weekend, the Athens-Clarke County Police Department responded to complaints of individuals unlawfully soliciting funds from the roadway in the area of the Atlanta Hwy and Timothy Rd.

The solicitors provided officers with the name of the organization they represented, but officials have been unable to connect the solicitors with the faith-based organization in Atlanta. It is likely the solicitors were from a questionable group that has a long history of suspicious fundraising. The leader of said organization has previously been convicted of food stamp fraud.

Georgia Code 40-6-97 prohibits persons from standing on a highway for the purpose of soliciting employment, business, or contributions from the occupant of any vehicle unless issued a permit by the local government. Athens-Clarke County does not authorize any person or organization to solicit from the streets or highways within its jurisdiction.

Motorists are asked to not give donations to persons soliciting along the roadways in Athens-Clarke County. Should citizens wish to make charitable contributions, there are a number of legitimate organizations available within Athens-Clarke County to which they may donate.

Tips for donating to charities:

• Always ask for and wait until you receive written material about any charity.

• Before you give money to a charity, find out what percentage of the money is paid in commissions and what percentage actually goes to the charity.

• Always take your time making a decision. Legitimate organizations will not pressure you to make a snap decision.

• Never send money or give out personal information such as credit card numbers, bank account numbers, dates of birth, or social security numbers to unfamiliar companies or unknown persons.

• If you have information about a fraud, report it to a law enforcement agency.