Serving Boone, Blowing Rock, Banner Elk, and other towns of the North Carolina High Country | Founded 05-05-05

February 8, 2007 issue

Phone Solicitations for Deputies Not Authorized

Watauga County Sheriff Len Hagaman released the following alert last week regarding phone solicitations to raise money for local deputies:

I am in receipt of a letter and calls from several Watauga County citizens who are making inquiry about the legitimacy of recent phone solicitations by individuals identifying themselves as "Deputies," who are allegedly raising monies for "local deputies."

First, the Watauga County Sheriff's office does not solicit monies for "local deputies."

Second, it my understanding, from the inquiries that the so-called deputies are raising monies via the "United States Deputy Sheriff's Association (www.usdsa.org)." I have visited their website and I can find nothing where Watauga County, NC, particularly where the Watauga County Sheriff's Office is listed as raising money for "local deputies."

Third, I have contacted both the North Carolina Sheriff's Association, where I and the Watauga County Sheriff's Office are members; and the National Sheriff's Association, again, where I and the Watauga County Sheriff's Office are members. Neither one of these two legitimate organizations have any knowledge of such solicitations.

Both the NC Sheriff's Association and National Sheriff's Association are legitimate and work very hard for their members. ANY solicitations that arise from these two nationally and state recognized associations are approved directly with and upon the approval of the member Sheriff's and their respective Boards of Directors.

If a citizen receives any solicitation that is questionable, please feel free to first contact the Watauga County Sheriff's Office at 828-264-3761, or the NC Sheriff's Association at 919-SHERIFF (743-7433) or click to www.ncsheriffs.org.

Never, never, never give any of your personal identification (bank accounts, credit card numbers, Social Security number, or other personal information) to anyone that you feel is not legitimate. When in doubt, please call any Watauga County law enforcement agency.

As a side note, many Watauga County law enforcement agencies are receiving information regarding local scams that are involving the cleaning of gutters, raking leaves, and stacking wood and preying upon the elderly, and others.

IF YOU ARE IN DOUBT ABOUT ANY SPONTANEOUS SOLICITATION, CALL LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT.