ABOUT BBB: For more than 100 years, Better Business Bureau has been helping people find businesses, brands and charities they can trust. In 2013, people turned to BBB more than 132 million times for BBB Business Reviews on more than 4.5 million businesses and Charity Reports on 11,000 charities, all available for free at bbb.org. The Council of Better Business Bureaus is the umbrella organization for 112 local, independent BBBs across North America, as well as home to its national programs on dispute resolution, advertising review, and industry self-regulation. MEDIA CONTACTS: For more information, journalists should contact John O’Hara (601-398-1700, johara@ms.bbb.org).

BBB Says: Don’t Fall for Phone Scam asking for donations for slain officers Mississippi (May 12, 2015) - As residents of Mississippi and across the country look to donate to organizations soliciting for the two slain Hattiesburg police officers, some people are trying to illegally solicit contributions over the phone. This tragedy has touched people across the country and the local police along with BBB. Scam artists are at work too. “Unfortunately, we see this during a tragedy, people trying to take advantage of good hearted people wanting to help” says John O’Hara CEO of BBB serving Mississippi. “For people who want to help the families of the slain officers, BBB suggests ways to make your donation count”. BBB has the following tips for donors:• If you are solicited by a telemarketer, ask the names of both the fundraiser making the call and the charity he or

she is representing. • Ask how much of your contribution goes to the charity and how much is retained by the fundraiser. If you are

solicited by mail, understand that a portion of your contribution may go to a for-profit company hired to run the campaign.

• Call the fundraiser or charity and ask how much of your money the charity will receive. Contact the charity to find out how it uses donations from the public.

• Will it provide direct aid to families, buy medical supplies or be used for education or research?• Check the charity’s BBB Charity Review at bbb.org.

For those who wish to Donate:

The Greater Pinebelt Community Foundation has created a memorial legacy fund in honor of the Hattiesburg police officers that were killed Saturday. The fund will benefit police officers and their families by not only providing immediate assistance in difficult times but by offering scholarships as well.

Those who wish to honor Officers Benjamin Deen and Liquori Tate by making a donation can write a check to the Greater Pinebelt Community Foundation. Please write “Deen and Tate Memorial Fund” on the memo line.

Mail checks to 1507 Hardy Street, Suite 208. Hattiesburg, MS 39401. For more information on the Foundation please call 601.583.6180.

Hattiesburg Mayor Johnny DuPree says the City of Hattiesburg and The First-A National Banking Association have also set up the Deen & Tate Benefit Fund. To make a donation please call 601-268-8998.