Phone Con Man Uses Police Charities Front

A telephone solicitor falsely claiming to represent charitable organizations associated with the Police Department called residents Wednesday, angering many and prompting several complaints, authorities said.

The solicitor said he was calling on behalf of the “Newport Beach Police Assn.” and the “Newport Beach Police Widows and Orphans Society,” Sgt. Mike McDermott said. The unknown man was aggressive and rude and swore at people when they refused to make a donation, McDermott said.

McDermott said that neither the Police Department nor any of its employee associations solicit funds by phone.

Regardless of the nature of the solicitation, police officials recommended that residents be extremely cautious about sending money to anyone asking for donations by phone.