Lompoc police are reminding people to not give out personal or financial information following a recent fraud incident involving a local business.
Police say local business owners came into the department Friday to report an incident involving a reported national charity known as National Tipster.
The business owners say National Tipster lists its website as www.nationaltipster.com in advertising materials and claims it sends crime tips to local law enforcement.
After agreeing to donate, police say National Tipster sent the business a package, which required $250 cash upon delivery along with a letter, calendar and stickers for the company.
“This organization is not connected to, working with or in any way associated with the Lompoc Police Department. A google search of the company showed a public alert that National City Police Department put out also advising similar circumstances with the same charity,” police said in a press release.
Lompoc police say the department only works with “legitimate” non-profits and those organizations will never solicit money over the phone, ask for credit card information for monthly or annual renewals or pressure anyone to donate.
Anyone who thinks they may be being solicited by a questionable organization should contact local law enforcement and “not give any personal or financial information over the phone to anyone,” police said.
