SALEM — If you’re in a parking lot, outside a storefront, or in other public areas around the North Shore, the Salem Veterans Council wants you to be aware of an alleged scam in which people are soliciting donations “to end veteran homelessness.”
The Salem Veterans Council released a statement Friday to warn community members of reports of individuals participating in the alleged scam. The council said the solicitors claim to be part of a company known as “Political Petitioning of MA, LLC” and “Help Homeless Vets, INC.” The council said it contacted the group’s organizers and said they were not able to explain how the donations are distributed and, as of Aug. 19, the council could not confirm that donated funds were used to assist any local homeless veterans.
“Therefore, the Salem Veterans Council cannot support this program at this time,” the statement said. “We recommend that you do not donate to this organization.”
The council statement went on to advise local businesses to not allow the group to solicit outside of their storefronts until it provides valid documentation related to the donated funds’ collection and distribution.
The Massachusetts Department of Veterans Services and the Attorney General’s office have been notified, according to the council statement.
Rachel Barber can be reached at [email protected].
