By KATIE HURST/ Staff Writer

HELENA — The Helena Police Department has received several callers complaining of phone solicitors posing as the police.

Helena Police Deputy Chief Tim Carter said the callers are soliciting for fundraisers and several have identified themselves as representatives of the Helena Police Department.

Carter said these calls are obviously a scam because the police department does not use phone solicitation for fund raising.

He recommends anyone receiving phone calls requesting money to check directly with the represented organization to make sure it is legitimate. He said to ask for a name and phone number of the caller and tell them you will call them back.

“If they are legitimate they will be glad to give their information,” Carter wrote in a media release.

Carter said residents should be on guard because all types of scams are more prevalent around holidays.  Anyone that believes they have been a victim of a scam can contact their local law enforcement agency, he sad.