Beware of scam donation solicitations

Beware of scam donation solicitations

As with holidays, and natural disasters and other times of emergency, the coronavirus pandemic has brought out those attempting to scam people wanting to assist others – including American Legion Family members. Any solicitations for donations should first be confirmed as legitimate before donating.

Over the weekend an email went out to some members of the American Legion Department of Colorado that claimed to be from Department Commander Dean Noechel. The email contained the following request:

"The American Legion Department of Colorado needs some gift cards for donation to Veterans at Hospice and Palliative care units for preventive items for Corona Disease (COVID 19). I have decided to make it a personal duty. I will be responsible for the reimbursement."

The email didn’t come from Noechel, who shared the contents of the email on Facebook to warn others. His post was shared to The American Legion National Headquarters Facebook page, and within an hour another Legionnaire said she’d received a similar email from the Department of California.

Individuals receiving any donation solicitations – email or otherwise – from their posts, departments, National Headquarters or individuals are urged to contact leadership from each respective entity before attempting to donate any funds.