Ventura County Sheriff's Department

Recently we have had residents of Fillmore stop by the Police Station to make their Police Expo donation. There is only one problem. There is no such "Police Expo" and we would never call you at home to make a donation to the Sheriff or Police Departments.

This is the makings of a scam by some crooks in the area who preying on the kind nature of our Fillmore and Piru residents. These bad guys ask you for a modest donation in cash or check for police and they offer to pick up the checks at your home or you could even leave it under the"Mat." We often hear of residents giving their hard earned money and savings to bogus police charities. We want to make sure this does not happen to you!

The police department will investigate your tips on such bogus charities. Remember, do your research before you give money to any charity that you are not actively involved with. Make sure they are a federally registered non-profit. Don't just ask them, the Police Department will help verify for you. Email Sergeant Dave Wareham dave.wareham@ventura.org or Police Chief Tim Hagel tim.hagel@ventura.org and we will check for you. Please email us or call us at 805-524-2235 if you have received similar calls for "Police Charities."

Update:
We have found the organization doing the police donation phone calls. They are based out of Los Angeles. We are investigating their authenticity, regardless, our position still doesnt change and we do not recommend citizens giving money to them.