Full Notification

Sheriff Mearl Justus of St. Clair County, is advising county residents that there is a phone solicitation in our area using the name of the Illinois Sheriffs' Association.

The Illinois Sheriffs' Association never solicits by phone but does conduct a direct mail campaign throughout the state of Illinois endorsed by the Sheriff.

Telemarketing fraud costs billions of dollars each year. Phone solicitors who want you to act immediately or will send someone to your house to collect the payment or sound too good to be true are most likely fraudulent. Remember that if you have any doubts, or are highly pressured - Just Hang Up.

You have the right to ask for the following information:

1) The name, address and phone number of the organization for which they are
soliciting.
2) The name, address and phone number of the telemarketing firm.
3) The percentage of every dollar paid to the telemarketing firm.
4) Insist on something in writing prior to making a pledge or commitment.

If you cannot get the answers to these questions do not hesitate to hang up the phone. After all, it is your money.

Although, there are some legitimate organizations that use telemarketers for their fundraising efforts the Sheriffs of Illinois do not. The Illinois Sheriffs' Association is adamantly opposed to police groups and associations using telemarketers in their fundraising efforts.

Again, the Illinois Sheriffs' Association never solicits by phone. Should you receive a call from someone saying they represent your local sheriff or the Illinois Sheriffs' Association and are asking for donations contact the Sheriffs Department immediately at 618-825-5788.