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Do IT this week: Layering
Pushy fundraisers keep 80% of money collected
By Bob Dyer
Beacon Journal staff writer
Published on Friday, Nov 20, 2009
At least one elderly resident of Stow believes the phrase ''to protect and serve'' is no longer appropriate.
The phrase she now uses in conjunction with her local police department, she says, is ''silent intimidation.''
Her impression was altered because of an unhappy encounter with a solicitor for the Stow-Munroe Falls chapter of the Fraternal Order of Police.
When the phone rang in the middle of dinner, the caller asked for a donation. She replied, ''I'm not interested.''
The caller persisted. So she rephrased her response. ''I don't donate to phone solicitors.''
That didn't slow down the caller, either; the plea for money was repeated a third time. This time, the Stow woman said she had donated that very day to two other charities and was simply tapped out.
But the caller still wouldn't take no for an answer.
Many senior citizens — heck, many people in general — are uncomfortable with any type of confrontation, much less a confrontation involving someone affiliated with an organization whose members wear guns. So she finally caved in and agreed to donate $5.
A few days later, she received an invoice for $15.
Along with the invoice was a letter that began, ''Dear Friend: Your support of the Fraternal Order of Police, Lodge No. 82, is one of the most important things you can do this year.''
Well, apparently the federal government doesn't think it's one of the most important things you can do this year, because donating to the Stow FOP doesn't even qualify as a tax write-off.
But at least that's made clear in the letter. What's not made clear, but is implied, is that, by donating, you will fare much better in any future interaction with a police officer in Stow or Munroe Falls.
Fear of retaliation
The woman (who doesn't want her name used because she fears retaliation) said: ''The silent message is there for the elderly people, as well as other decent people who try to do the right thing. The letter even contained a car sticker, which could be interpreted as an attempt to convince me I'm more immune to a ticket because I donated.''
The window sticker is a fancy red, black and white shield featuring the words ''V.I.P. Sponsor F.O.P.''
These tactics alone would be enough to label this campaign sleazy. But wait. It gets even sleazier.
The solicitation is done by a private fundraising group in Cleveland that has operated by at least three different names and currently calls itself PSI & Associates. And PSI keeps about 80 percent of the money it collects.
That's not a misprint. Little old ladies who think their $10 donation is going directly to their local police are actually giving their police about two bucks.
PSI boss Phil Samano explains his massive cut this way: ''We have expenses for the stationery and the phones and the rent and postage and that kind of thing.''
Samano's folks work the phones not only for Stow's FOP, but also for FOPs in Cleveland, Hudson and a half-dozen other communities in Northeast Ohio.
''It depends on each organization,'' he says when asked how much of the take is passed along. ''In Stow, I think somewhere in the neighborhood of between 20 and 22 percent is left over that they retain.''
Last year, he said, the total take in Stow was $46,000, which means the company that browbeats elderly women made roughly $36,000.
That's actually an improvement. According to state records, a campaign for the Stow lodge that Samano ran from July 2005 to March 2006 grossed $42,925 — a mere 18.6 percent of which actually went to the cause.
Nice work if you can stomach it.
This is precisely what the state attorney general was talking about in May, when he cautioned Ohioans to be skeptical of phone solicitors using hard-sell tactics who claim to be from public-safety or veterans groups.
Ask for details
Ohio Attorney General Richard Cordray said potential donors need to push for details.
''Ask how much of your donation will actually go to the charity, ask for written materials before making a donation and don't give in to any high-pressure appeals.''
Unfortunately, the folks in Stow and Munroe Falls are getting no hint that their local police are receiving only 20 percent of the take, because the follow-up letter sent to their homes makes no mention of the intermediary that sucks off the bulk of the money. The letter is signed by Jeff Film, a lieutenant in the Stow PD who is president of the FOP's 64-member lodge.
Film says he knows exactly how the arrangement works, but argues that the lodge simply doesn't have the manpower to make the calls itself, and that all private fundraising companies take a similar cut of the action.
He says the funds raised by PSI have gone to extremely worthwhile causes, such as the recent $500 donation to a local police retiree who required a kidney transplant.
The lieutenant claims the hard-sell tactics used on the woman in question are an aberration. The marching orders given to PSI, he says, are to back off immediately if a resident says no.
Film says any resident who is subjected to high pressure should call him at 330-689-5706, because PSI keeps records of which employees make which calls.
Stow's police chief, Lou Dirker, is a fellow lodge member who supports the program.
''We get enough bad publicity from different things,'' he says. ''We don't need to make any more enemies out there. So it's supposed to be a very low-key, professional presentation.''
When asked whether it bothers him that only 20 percent of the money is going to the cause, he responds: ''Yeah, of course it does. But that's not uncommon.''
Dirker says he understands how the campaign can leave the impression that putting a ''V.I.P. Sponsor F.O.P.'' sticker on your car serves as a ''get out of jail free'' card. He insists that's not the case.
''We appreciate your help, but don't expect us to reciprocate. There's no unwritten law that says, 'If you see one of these, don't write 'em [a ticket].' That's never been the deal.''
No tax write-off
Another thing to consider: Although the FOP is a nonprofit organization, the reason it doesn't qualify as a tax write-off is that some of the money that FOPs bring in is used to support political candidates and issues.
That is a far cry from most of the purposes listed in the solicitation follow-up letter, such as ''additional death benefits, legal defense assistance [and] scholarships.''
The Stow chief says his particular lodge gives nothing to political candidates or causes. In addition to helping fellow officers, Dirker says, some of the money is returned to the community, often in the form of gifts to schools, and some of it goes into a building fund that eventually will enable the Stow FOP to construct its own hall.
Nothing wrong with those goals — as long as the donors realize that only 20 percent is going in that direction and 80 percent is going to some guy in Cleveland.
''What's funny,'' says Dirker, ''is that my wife will get calls and she'll ask upfront how much goes to Easter Seals or whatever. She's the same way; if she doesn't think it's a high enough percentage, she won't donate.
''I hate to say it that way because maybe I'm cutting my own throat, but that's the way it is out there.''
The chief's wife sounds like a very intelligent woman.
Bob Dyer can be reached at 330-996-3580 or bdyer@thebeaconjournal.com.
At least one elderly resident of Stow believes the phrase ''to protect and serve'' is no longer appropriate.
Get the full article here.
Comments
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akron, oh
Posted 05:26 AM, 11/20/2009
They do not get enough tax payers money?They do not get enough money from things they take from people and sell on ebay.Where is the money from the court? where is the drug money? protect and serve my a## I smell a shake down WAKE UP PEOPLE Time for a change oh wait that is what obama is doing
Akron, OH
Posted 06:31 AM, 11/20/2009
Just HANG-UP the phone!!! You don't have to listen to anything they say!
Stow, Oh
Posted 07:16 AM, 11/20/2009
It's very simple. Take Dpfiling's advice. Hang up.
Canton, OH
Posted 07:59 AM, 11/20/2009
yes - hang up - or throw away the invoice when it is sent - it isn't a bill - they cannot make you pay it.
i always tell phone solictors to send me the info in writing and i will look over it and decide then.
Get caller ID too - or let the answering machine pick up.
akron, oh
Posted 08:10 AM, 11/20/2009
I'll echo the above sentiments - hang up.
medina, oh
Posted 08:41 AM, 11/20/2009
I agree, simply hang up. But, before you do, give em a good ole F-You first.
Akron, Oh
Posted 09:05 AM, 11/20/2009
@ wethepeople-
Before you comment why not do a little research to @ least project you have 1/2 a brain?
They don't "take" anything. They receive seizures & asset forfeitures "if" the courts allow it. The proceeds from unclaimed property & seizures sold on e-bay or at auction do not go to the police department- it goes to the city's general fund & surprisingly none of that money ever seems to get back into the police department budget.
Money from drug seizures? Right! Right after the federal, state & local courts take their percentages first.
The government gives nothing to anyone it doesn't first take away from someone else! So let me know how Obama's hope & change is workin' out for ya!
Akron, OH
Posted 09:12 AM, 11/20/2009
PSI boss Phil Samano explains his massive cut this way: ''We have expenses for the stationery and the phones and the rent and postage and that kind of thing.''
Apparently this man is not a well educated person. His comment is completely defensive. I guarantee you it does not cost him 80% of the funds raised to support his operations. However, he needs the extra money to buy that vacation home in Malibu!
Akron, Oh
Posted 09:22 AM, 11/20/2009
This is a terrible way to get money BUT it is the same with the United Way, March of Dimes etc. With the United Way, the employer becomes the solicitor when they come around with the donation card with the employee's name and how much the employee will donate.
Barberton, Oh
Posted 09:27 AM, 11/20/2009
Wethepeople: Absolutely none of the money that you speak of can, by law, go to fund the police dept much less its social organization(s). Anything earned via sales on e-bay and drug seizures goes into the general fund so that people like you can not speak of improprieites and/or fabricated "padding their own pockets" mentality. The only sentiment I agree with is the, albeit poor, attempt at humor reference our "President".
GOPHater: So typical of classless left-wing yahoos. The LARGE majority of non-educated law breakers are "GOPHaters" who wouldn't give to an organiztion like this in the first place - show a little bit of class and don't drop the "F" bomb next time someone is trying to do their jobs - at least they are employed, which is more than we can say about your associates.
Akron, OH
Posted 09:36 AM, 11/20/2009
LOL, I wonder if the Beacon realizes their favorite company to suck up to 'Infoprison', usually has a worse rate of pay out to the people they raise money for?
Canton, OH
Posted 09:46 AM, 11/20/2009
georgeus - good point - but your employer should never FORCE you to donate to United Way, or any organization.
North Canton, OH
Posted 09:47 AM, 11/20/2009
I am a career fund raiser and a Certified Fund Raising Executive. Whenever I get a phone soliciation I ask two questions. 1. Is the person on the phone a paid solicitor or a voluteer or staff member with the organization. If they are paid, I ask what percent the organization gets and what percent the telemarketing firm gets. The charity should receive around 50 percent, but this is very rare. Even better, the firm should get paid a certain amount for the contract and not a percentage at all.
In this example with 80 percent going to the telemarketing group, it really is just "economic stimulus" for that company, and is really not helping the cops at all.
uniontown, oh
Posted 09:58 AM, 11/20/2009
What a great idea. Man I will be in business tomorrow. Lets see. How about.....Common sense in Washington for a donation of say, $10.00. My wife will make the phone calls and I'll lick the stamps and keep $9.90 for "postage and handling". For every $20.00 donation I toss in a RONCO STUD SETTER or if you prefer "one gallon of eco friendly acid to clean your carpet stains with". I'll then send Congress a "check" for the dime. Good luck and keep them donations coming.
akron, oh
Posted 10:12 AM, 11/20/2009
LOL LOL show your true blue colors boys.The general fund where do you think your pay check comes from.Give all the money to the needy and let's see how hard you work then.I support the police but I do not support what they are making you do and you do not evevn know how they are using you. all you see is the pay check the same people you are supposed to be helping you are hurting if there was no money in the justice system there would be no justice.it is All about money the root of all evil. MAY GOD BLESS YOU and stay safe on the streets
Green, OH
Posted 10:20 AM, 11/20/2009
Oh, wait - there's more!
PSI professional solicitors are under contract to raise funds for SEVERAL groups attached to police and fire throughout Ohio. Donate to one and you will find that you are now on their list and will get calls to donate to these organizations at least twice a year.
These non-tax deductible police and firefighters groups enter into contract with PSI with their eyes wide open. They know the cut they will get and they know what the solicitors are going to say. And since so many still do it, we can only assume that it is OK with their clients.
When they CHOOSE to contract with a group like PSI, are they also approving the scripts that the solicitors use over the phone? Do they ever check to ensure that their wishes for a "low-key, professional campaign" are being followed? Did they bother to check out PSI's professional reputation within their industry or just focus on their record for cranking out the funds?
I USED to donate modest amounts to these groups until I found out that some of the monies raised were being used to donate to political candidates. Now I no longer support their PACs.
Posted 10:34 AM, 11/20/2009
"Give all the money to the needy and let's see how hard you work then." I'm confused wethepeople, are you telling the boys to work for free.
bellefontaine, oh
Posted 10:36 AM, 11/20/2009
We do not answer the phone unless we recognize the phone # on caller i.d. If the caller is legitimate, the caller leave a message and callback #. During supper the ringer is switched to "Off." Since instituting this policy, our family's mental health and finances have improved significantly. Finally, we do return calls to those with whom we wish to speak.
Akron, OH
Posted 10:43 AM, 11/20/2009
OK, here's my observation: If the donation is NOT tax deductible, then do the callers have to avoid those on the do-not-call list? If the company making the calls is keeping 80% of what is collected, then this could in no way be construed as funraising. I would hope the FCC would ban companies from calling individuals to solicit money under the "non-profit" guise when so much of what is being collected is profit for the caller. FCC, are you listening?
Green, OH
Posted 10:46 AM, 11/20/2009
Regarding caller ID, PSI and similar firms now show up mostly as "Unknown".
akron, oh
Posted 10:51 AM, 11/20/2009
No everyone should get a pay check for working the money they get from drug seizures court fines red light cameras should be givin to the needy Feed the people you protect and serve no child should go to bed hungrey
NorthernWestVirginny, WV
Posted 10:53 AM, 11/20/2009
#1) choose not to answer the phone. #2) get caller ID or better yet get rid of the home phone and get a cell phone instead. That is how I operate and I get NO, zero telemarketer calls. #3) just say something strange to them like "does your mother still take it in the ars??" That usually gets them every time.
akron, oh
Posted 10:54 AM, 11/20/2009
NOT THE GENERAL FUND
Akron, Oh
Posted 11:19 AM, 11/20/2009
Why would anyone want to contribute money to the police? Aren't they pretty much all corrupt?
Waponi , Wu
Posted 11:31 AM, 11/20/2009
I just tell them I NEVER give to ANY organization that solicits by phone and I have just added them to my list.
Anti-Politically Correct & Anti-GOP, OH
Posted 11:56 AM, 11/20/2009
I tell these arrogant callers to call up George W. Bush for a donation.
Green, OH
Posted 12:05 PM, 11/20/2009
CLH - It is quite possible to be a non-profit organization but not a fully tax deductible non-profit organization. Many fraternal and religious organizations fall into this category. These telemarketer firms know the law inside and out and are not operating outside the FCC requirements for the do-not-call lists.
Furthermore, these solicitors disclose that contributions to these police- and fire-associated organizations are not tax deductable, just as they disclose the fact that they are paid professional solicitors.
Like I said, they know the law and their operations are legal. Moral and ethical would be a different debate.
Akron, OH
Posted 12:10 PM, 11/20/2009
A reflection of the predatory nature of our society. Bully the elderly out of a buck or 15.
Fraternal Order of Predators.
Hudson, OH
Posted 12:16 PM, 11/20/2009
Typical Dyer - fear of retaliation - because they wear guns - whatever....
you need to move to Cleveland and write for Scene - they have real corruption there....
Posted 01:06 PM, 11/20/2009
Funny how inner city churches keep their non profit status when they instruct people from the pulpit on who to vote for.
Eastlake, Oh
Posted 01:13 PM, 11/20/2009
I have caller ID and an answering machine. Any unidentified caller must talk to my answering machine before I pick up the phone. SURPRISINGLY FEW unknown callers are willing to talk to my answering machine. My peace of mend is worth it.
Canton, OH
Posted 01:46 PM, 11/20/2009
I've known about this scam for decades. I always ask:"Are you a policeman?" When they answer" "No". I; ask: "Then why would be soliciting money for them?" and hang up.
Richfield, OH
Posted 02:01 PM, 11/20/2009
I tell the telemarketing people that I'm not interested, good luck, good bye. Then I hang up.
No drama. No anger.
mayberry, oh
Posted 02:04 PM, 11/20/2009
I tell them I would donate but I just mailed a check for a speeding ticket the fop gave me.....too bad fop
Copley, OH
Posted 02:17 PM, 11/20/2009
Caller ID is the best thing ever invented. I also have it set up that if they do not have a caller ID, it doesn 't even get thru! May landline hardly every rings with telemarketers.
Posted 02:24 PM, 11/20/2009
Anyone else curuios as to why she agreed to a $5 donation, but then received an invoice for $15. WTF, Dyer failed to ask the scumbag Samano for the logic of this? I read the article twice and did not see any mention of it.
How is that legal to accept a donation of one amount but then make an invoice for another?
Akron, Oh
Posted 02:57 PM, 11/20/2009
Dyer sounds like an editorial writer. An elderly person with no name or age. Is this a true article or is it written by someone who dislikes law enforcement. I'm surprised it wasn't written about a state trooper.
Akron, OH
Posted 03:29 PM, 11/20/2009
I'd watch my speed driving home tonight, Bobble.
Green, OH
Posted 04:10 PM, 11/20/2009
noclue - Because the donation levels are predetermined and preprinted on the solicitations and $15 is the lowest level that you can 'give'. If questioned, I'm sure there would be some sort of 'misunderstanding' involved. He said, she said. You send out the invoice and hope the recipient will just pay.
everywhere, oh
Posted 05:15 PM, 11/20/2009
Dump the land line, no such calls on cellular telephones.
Akron, OH
Posted 07:53 PM, 11/20/2009
I always ask if the caller is a police officer. If not (100% so far), then I say have a real officer call me. This just makes the police look even worse - have the Infocision losers collect money for them and then only get a fraction of what is collected. Police are lazy and Infocision is opportunistic.
Orrville, Oh
Posted 11:56 PM, 11/20/2009
Does the FOP get 20% of the $5 this donor agreed to donate or the $15 she was billed for?
Does some guy in Cleveland pay income tax of his 80% of the take?
Metairie, LA
Posted 12:06 AM, 11/21/2009
Donate time, not money.
Stow, OH
Posted 12:13 AM, 11/21/2009
I have received calls soliciting funds for the FOP and, at times, they have been relatively high pressure. I have not donated because I could not think of a reason to make a donation to a union to which I do not belong.
Posted 10:53 AM, 11/21/2009
Some groups have been known of keeping 95%!!!
Stickers on your car??? The only sticker or license plate symbol that helps is FOP.
I use the one: "I don't do business on phone calls" and gently hang up.
akron, oh
Posted 03:24 PM, 11/21/2009
Bob Dyer doesn't like the police.
Canton, oh
Posted 07:27 PM, 11/21/2009
http://bayimg.com/image/eaekcaacp.jpg
Here's how I feel about the situation.
And yes, that is a real jacket.
Akron, OH
Posted 10:49 PM, 11/21/2009
Is that what Infocision does? I didn't know that. And for that they get their name on the stadium. Telemarketers = shysters to me . . . . . unscrupulous . . . . fraudulent . . . . . deceptive methods in business.
Posted 10:20 PM, 11/22/2009
@MDoyle - wow, strange phenomenon. It seems that any unknowns that call my phone never seem to leave a message... weird.
lol I don't understand why anyone would continue the phone conversation. Once you say no, hang up. If you're afraid of being rude, chances are you won't offend them because not taking no for an answer is being rude to you.
