Watch out for a Relay for Life scam

Published 11:07 am Tuesday, June 26, 2012

Organizers of the Freeborn County Relay for Life are concerned about a possible telephone scam being done with the Relay for Life name.

Vicki Manges, a chairwoman with the local Relay for Life, said a member of the annual event’s organizing committee received two reports of what they believe to be a scam. She said a man called people Monday asking for $50 donation to Relay for Life.

She said the Relay for Life discourages solicitations of strangers over the telephone. Participants in the Relay for Life across the country typically form teams and raise money for the American Cancer Society by asking friends and relatives for donations and in exchange the participants walk or run around a track.

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“Most people asking for donations for Relay for Life know you on a personal level,” Manges said.

She said it was unclear whether the calls came in or out of the Albert Lea area. She said if anyone receives a scam call to get as much information as possible, then contact the Albert Lea Police Department. The department’s non-emergency number is 377-5205.

About Tim Engstrom

Tim Engstrom is the editor of the Albert Lea Tribune. He resides in Albert Lea with his wife, two sons and dog.

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