PHOENIX (Legal Newsline) - Arizona Attorney General Tom Horne warned consumers Thursday about potential charity scams related to the deaths of a Phoenix police officer and a Phoenix firefighter in separate incidents within the last week.
Horne's office received multiple reports of potential scams related to the deaths. He said he was saddened to see people try to take advantage of tragedy.
"My office has been alerted that possible charity scammers have already started to take advantage of the tragic deaths of Phoenix police officer Daryl Reatz and Phoenix firefighter Bradley Harper," Horne said. "I am always saddened to see these kinds of scams appear when there is a tragedy such as the death of a first-responder, and my office will do all it can to warn consumers and prosecute anyone caught operating a charitable scam."
Arizonans can find out how to directly contribute to the Harper family by contacting the Professional Fire Fighters of Arizona. The 100 Club of Arizona has information on how to contribute to the Harper family and the Reatz family.
"My office has released a set of guidelines that are a useful tool for ensuring that any money you give will be used for charitable purposes and not end up in the hands of a predatory scammer," Horne said. "You may also look up an entity at www.charitynavigator.org. I urge all Arizonans to learn these easy steps to protecting themselves while helping others."
Arizona AG warns consumers about charity scams
