Somerset Borough Police Department warns of two scams

SOMERSET COUNTY, Pa. (WTAJ) — The Somerset Borough Police Department (SPD) is warning residents of two scams.

“Citizens Behind the Badge,” an email scam, claims to be backed by local police departments but is not affiliated with law enforcement. The organization sends out surveys asking about the police agency and then requests donations at the end of the survey.

Officials have warned that this group in not registered as a legitimate nonprofit with the IRS and the donation request could be a scam. If anyone receives any communication from “Citizens Behind the Badge,” it is best to be cautious and avoid providing personal information or donations money.

The SPD is also warning residents of a payment slip that comes through the mail. The slip asks for payments to be sent to a Virginia address. However, the department is asking everyone to disregard the slip because the only donation request that comes from the department is for the “Night Out Event.”

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If anyone has already sent money, they are advised to contact their bank or credit card company to try and stop the payment as well as their local department to file a report.

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