We all want to support the police and firefighters because we respect them and want to help those who help us so valiantly. However, the crooks know this, and they try every conceivable way to try and make their own big bucks off of our generosity.

We get calls and more calls to give money How do we decide which are legitimate and, in particular, which ones actually give the police or fire organization a large part of the money.

Have you received a harassing phone call from a "officer" demanding donations for a law enforcement or firefighter's organization? The Better Business Bureau (see www.RBernardo.com) receives many complaints about similar solicitations initiated by organizations who, typically, are either non-charitable law enforcement unions, or publishers of specialty magazines which they claim are aimed at those groups.

San Diego has more than its share. The following organizations have been active in the County in the past 24 months. All of those listed here have either not responded to inquiries from the BBB, or have moved so they are unable to locate them. If you have received a recent solicitation from any of these organizations, or any organization with a similar name, please contact the BBB and let them know the name, address and phone number of the organization so they can check it out. (Remember to check with the BBB before you write a check!):

American Police Bulletin, Firefighters Assoc. of America, California Fraternal Order of Police, National Association of Veteran Police Officers, California Narcotics Officers Association, NAVPO, California Organization of Police & Sheriffs, Police News, California Reserve Police Officers Association, Policemen's Benefit, COPS, San Diego County Motor Officers, Fireman's Benefit, The Badge Magazine, Firefighters Yearbook, Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #10.

Always remember the basics for charitable giving: know the charity (there are many that sound the same - on purpose); never give money to a runner; ask for information to be sent to you if you don’t know the organization; always ask what percent of the donation actually goes to the charity; don’t give in to any pressure to ‘hurry; ‘ make sure the donation is tax-deductible, and never send cash.

Take a look at www.rbernardo.com and click on the organizations under scams and frauds: you’ll find the BBB, Marti Emerald, Consumer Bob and the National Fraud Information Center. There are a number of new pages on this popular website: Friends of the Library, The Computer Club, new links to churches on Houses of Worship, new stats on RSBP, RB Crime stats, and Fire Station 33 pages. And don’t miss the bios and pictures of all the members of the RB Community Council.