Monterey Park : Police Warn of Phone Scam

Monterey Park police are advising city residents that a fake telephone fund-raising drive is under way in the city by callers claiming to be members of the city’s Police Officer’s Assn.

“One caller asked for $1,000,” said Monterey Park Police Sgt. William Risen, adding that high-pressure tactics are used.

The callers are men and women who say they will send runners to residences to pick up the donations. The callers say the money will be used to hire 13 more police officers or improve the city’s 911 emergency telephone service, Risen said.

The association is not soliciting funds nor has it given permission for anyone to solicit money on its behalf, Risen said. Residents are advised to call police if someone comes to collect money in the name of the association.