Police Warn Public About Katrina Relief Scam

ANDERSON, Ind. -- Anderson police say someone is trying to prey on people's generosity after the devastation Hurricane Katrina wrought.

Police said several different types of telephone solicitations purporting to help hurricane victims are bogus.

In one phone solicitation, the caller claimed to be with the "Anderson Police Protection League." No such organization exists, according to police.

Police said the most effective way to protect yourself from unscrupulous phone solicitors is to deal with known entities.

Funds raised by organizations, such as the American Red Cross and Salvation Army, are safe donations.

Officials warn that the public should be suspicious of organizations they haven't heard of before.

Police urged anyone who received calls claiming to be from Anderson police to contact them at (765) 648-6700.