WHEN:
Tuesday, November 25, 2003
9:00 am

WHERE:
Parker Center – front of building
150 North Los Angeles Street
Downtown Los Angeles

WHO:
Police Commissioner Silvia Saucedo, Los Angeles Police Commission
Assistant Chief George Gascón, Los Angeles Police Department
Karen Wagener, Executive Director, Los Angeles Police Foundation

WHAT:
Two Issues will be discussed:

In English: Unethical charitable solicitations are rampant in Los Angeles, especially during the holidays. While many charities operate within legal regulations, they do not operate ethically. For example, many charities operate under a name that is similar to a well-known charity, however, they provide questionable services to the Los Angeles community. The number of victims is voluminous, but unknown because the vast majority do not realize they have been victimized. Tips will be provided on how to avoid becoming a victim of charitable fraud this holiday season.

In Spanish: There is currently a form of fraud occurring in the Spanish speaking community involving telemarketers posing as the "police department." The solicitor calls and states that if a donation is not given, police services may not be provided to them. The Los Angeles Police Commission has produced a Spanish public service announcement addressing this completely inaccurate claim. The Spanish PSA will be distributed at the press conference.