Northampton Police Department
(click above for website)
29 Center Street
Northampton, MA 01060

Chief Russell Sienkiewicz

Telephone:
Emergency: 911
Non- Emergency: 413.587.1100

Fax:
413.587.1137

Email:
rsienkiewicz@northamptonma.gov

Attorney General Martha Coakley on Wednesday reminded those who want to give to support victims of the Boston Marathon attacks to do their homework first to ensure the charity is reputable. More than 125 website domain names relating to the Boston Marathon explosions were registered within a few hours of the attacks Monday, according to Consumer Affairs Undersecretary Barbra Anthony. Fraudulent websites have popped up in the aftermath of other national tragedies, including the Sandy Hook Elementary School shootings in Newtown. Coakley warned would-be donors to protect themselves from fundraising scams by making sure any websites they visit match a registered charity and to beware of professional fundraisers who try to make their solicitations sound like they are coming directly from the charity itself or volunteers. Coakley's office offered a handful of tips, including getting to know the charity by taking time to verify the address, phone number, and contact information and reviewing the website and written material. When possible, consider the charity's history. Be wary of appeals that are "long on emotion," according to Coakley's office. A legitimate charity will tell donors how it's using the money after a disaster. Do not pay cash and never give a credit card number to a fundraiser over the phone. Websites like Charitynavigator.org and BBB.org/charity help donors get additional information on a particular charity.

More information from the Attorney General's Office