News Reporter
With the high cost of schooling and little time for jobs, there is no worse feeling than losing even more money. The Grand Junction Police Department and CMU have received reports of solicitors seeking donations in the name of CMU, according to CMU’s Director of Media Relations, Dana Nunn. Solicitors have been going door-to-door in the community as well as approaching people in retail parking lots such as Wal-Mart.
The scammers have claimed to represent not one, but numerous charities across town.
“In this particular case, we are aware that the scammers are claiming to represent several different charitable or non-profit groups, depending on who they are talking to at the time,” Nunn said.
Some reports claim that the solicitors have falsely promised that anyone who makes a donation to buy children’s books will be reimbursed by CMU. Other reports say the solicitors have tried selling magazine subscriptions to help support some of CMU’s different academic programs. CMU has no connection with this.
“It’s horrible to think we’re giving money to a charity, but really we just got robbed,” junior Ethan Knowles said.
Knowles has decided to be more careful with his money in future situations with charities.
“It is important to know exactly who you are dealing with before you hand over any money,” Nunn said.
Being aware includes asking for identification and researching the background of the group, business or organization that is doing the fundraising.
Reports were made about two weeks ago, and since Grand Junction media publicized the scam both internally to CMU students, faculty and staff as well as to the community. No further reports have been made.
“I definitely know I’ll be more hesitant to grab my wallet when I see non-profits,” senior AJ Labrum said. “It’s pretty sad to say that.”
Labrum has given money to charities in the past in Grand Junction.
No arrests have been made in connection with these incidents. To receive or report more information on the incidents, contact the Grand Junction Police Department.
lstroman@mavs.coloradomesa.edu
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