Jul 10, 2009
It was a telemarketer saying he was working for the Texas State Troopers. Do not donate via phone - call the local office if you'd like to make a donation. This is what the Texas Attorney General says about this organization:
Consider, for example, the Texas State Troopers Association (TSTA), which hires professional telemarketers to call potential donors for contributions. While the paid solicitor might have a good sales pitch urging potential donors to support the state police, much of the money raised by TSTA doesn’t actually go to officers or their families. According to a recent IRS filing by the TSTA, its telemarketing efforts yielded $3.59 million through telephone solicitations. Of that amount, more than 75% – or $2.78 million – was spent on “professional fundraising fees.” The IRS documents also indicate the organization spent just $10,800 on trooper death benefits; $22,000 on a “trooper event;” and $72,000 on contract lobbyists.