I got the call earlier this week from a "young man" who said his name is Nathan from "COPS FOR KIDS" (caller ID says it was a "Locksmith????").  He called me by my first name and explained that he was looking for me to donate to his charity... When I asked what percentage actually went to the charity he responded "what is acceptable to you"?  I explained that there are solictors out there who keep more of the donation for themselves; therefore, I would only give to a charity that could furnish me how much of the donation ACTUALLY goes to the charity itself?  Because he sounded offended by my forthright response, I proceeded to tell him, "Nathan, in your case, I would only consider giving to a charity where 100% of my donation goes to the charity itself, and if you can't prove that amount goes to it, I am not interested--- and further, don't waste my or your time by calling me on my phone anymore, please!".  He continued talking to me in a more condescending tone, and I hung up on him. FOLKS, THIS IS DEFINITELY A SCAM---BEWARE! ---Don't believe that police chief who claims it's legit!!!!

The BBB reports on charities also, DUH!

I just got a call from this same place cops for kids. When I told the caller on the other end I wanted to check into it a little more before I gave them anything he said well we have all your information said  my name gave me my address city and state and said so I already know where you live, I kindly said I would like to check things out first he said STUPID lady and hung up I called this number right back because I wanted to talk to some one like a supervisor or something  419-496-2310 and it says this number has been disconnected. I's going on 4:00 pm here so I will be calling the better BBB tomorrow.

I just got a call from these same place cops for kids. When I told the caller on the other end I wanted to check into it a little more before I gave them anything he said well we have all your information same my name gave me my address city and state and said so I already know where you live, I kindly so I would like to check things out first he said STUPID lady and hung up I called this number right back because I wanted to talk to some one like a supervisor or something  419-496-2310 and it says this number has been disconnected. I's going on 4:00 pm here so I will be calling the better BBB tomorrow.

got the call, they hung up, another call the next day, asked for my husband, they hung up, got a call yesterday, they hung up, just got another call, they hung up

The reason they aren't registered with the Better Business Bureau is because they aren't a business. Duh.

The Cops for Kids of Ohio are far from a scam, they are actually Ohio's number 1 children's charity, and are registered with both the Attorney General and the IRS as a 501c3 charity. Kinda hard to be a scam and still be registered with the AG and the IRS....so think before you badmouth a good organization.

I just read an article about this organization and although they ARE legitimate, only 19% of the funds actually go to buying the teddy bears. The article WAS four years old but I am pretty sure the game is the same.

If they are legit then why do they not or have not responded to the Better Business Bureau's requests for information. When I am contacted by an unknown caller claiming to be from the State of Ohio, I do two things automatically:  1.  Call them back and 2.  Check the charity out with the Better Business Bureau.  If the company or charity is trustworthy, and are registered with the BBB, then I will continue to pledge my hard-earned dollars. If not, then I will do whatever I must, including report them to the FTC, to get them to stop calling me.  No offense, officer, but you cannot be certain that they are legit. Just because they have a tax-deductible number does not make them legit.

Shortly after a caller from ID Ohio Police called last evening, sounding legitimate to me, a caller from Toledo OH claiming to be a bookkeeper from Cops for Kids called, perceived my agitation at her calling, and asked if I was going to give as promised.  This call encouraged me to resume looking upon both of these callers and all telemarketers as possible scams, and to discard whatever mailings may come to my address, which I had verified with the first telemarketer.

The majority of the complaints in this thread are about silent calls, screeching noises, or simply unwanted calls.        If you wish to help the charity then spend a moment or two with them to have those issues addressed.

People will then be a little more approachable, understanding, and perhaps even more willing to contribute.

Remember that unwanted unsolicted phone calls are a nuisance to some people and a cause of fear to others.    Your experience should have taught you that, Chief.

I am a retired police chief in Ohio and the Ohio Cops for kids is a legitimate charity that is registered with the AG and the IRS as a 501C3 charity.  They primarily utilize their funds for shop with a cop and the buckeye teddy bear program.  If you all would focus more on helping children in your community and not slandering Ohio's number one children's charity we would all be a part of a better community in Ohio.  If you want to  check them out go to their site!  They are legit.  www.ohiocopsforkids.com

Please stop calling me!!!!

Over 10 calls since March.  No message, no answer, nothing.

SCAM SCAM

They say they are "Cops For Kids Of Ohio, Inc". They are asking for donations. My friends in Law Enforcement have never heard of them. Beware they are a scam!!!!!

They have called twice in the last 4 hours and always a hang up when I answer!  Interesting to know it is Cops for Kids... I pledged money to them recently and even though I sent them a $10.00 donation they still insist they didn't get my pledge and call every few weeks!  I will be calling the above listed number to complain as well!

As an addendum to my previous post, the caller said she was a bookkeeper with Cops for Kids. I found the Cops for Kids website and called this number to complain: 440-813-6412

The number belongs to a James E Frusher in Toledo, OH.  I did reach someone at that number last evening who swore they didn't call, but tonight when I call, the fax machine tone (some have described as screeching, etc.) comes on.

I get a call from this number (caller ID says Toledo OH) every night around 7:00.  I can hear people in the back ground but they don't say anything.  It is driving me crazy!

The last three evenings I have received calls from this number.  No-one says anything when I pick up.  When I call back, after 5 rings, a loud sound comes on (like an answering machine that's out of tape.

I get calls every evening for the last three nights and no-one says anything.  I try to call back and get a screeching sound after 5 rings.

evry night i get a call from 419-476-7488  is there anything I can do to stop this

7:30 2/17/10 answered, immediate hangup by caller.