Newton Police Warn of Possible Charity Scam

Newton Police are hoping to get the word out to residents about possible phone scams asking for donations for the Newton Police Department.

According to Capt. Marc Gromada, Newton Police have received a number of recent complaints about solicitors who call and say they are collecting for the Newton Police, when in fact, the money does not go to the Newton Police at all.

Gromada explains that the solicitors are often collecting for the Fraternal Order of Police, an organization the Newton Police "have nothing to do with," Gromada says. During these calls the solicitor may tell resident that some of the money goes to the Newton Police Department, but that is not the case.

In the next couple of weeks, though, Gromada says the Newton Police Memorial Association will start its annual fundraising push and phone calls will be made to local residents asking for donations. Gromada says it is important that callers note the collections are for the Newton Police Memorial Association only. 

Each year, the association provides scholarships to local students and donates money to various organizations, including the Newton 9-11 Memorial Committee. The annual fundraising effort will go on for three or four months, Gromada says. 

If residents have any questions about a solicitation or possible scam, they can contact Gromada at the Police Department at 617-796-2167. 

Those interested in donating to the Newton Police Memorial Association can make checks payable to the Association and mail them to:

Newton Police Department 
Attn: Newton Police Memorial Association
1321 Washington St.
West Newton, MA
02465