Police Charity Solicitation Calls Not Coming From Brick PD

BRICK, NJ — Have you received a call from an organization that says it's raising money for police officers? It isn't from Brick Township police, the department says.

Brick police have been receiving phone calls from residents about solicitation calls that say they are for a police organization, the department said in a post on Facebook.

The Brick Township Police Department and Brick PBA Local 230, the union that represents all Brick Township police officers, "will NEVER solicit over the telephone," the department said.

The department said some of the solicitations may be from legitimate organizations, but residents should "be aware that the people calling you are most likely telemarketers hired by organizations to collect on their behalf."

If you're unsure or uncomfortable, hang up on the caller.

An HBO documentary released in August titled "Telemarketers" takes an in-depth look at a telemarketing company that raised millions in fraudulent charitable donations, NJ.com reported. The company, Civic Development Group, was shut down in 2009.

Brick Township police said residents who have any concerns about any solicitations should call the non-emergency line at 732-262-1100.