MPD warns of phone scam

By By Fredie Carmichael / staff writer
May 4, 2002
Meridian investigators are warning residents about telephone scammers who are using Chief Benny DuBose's name fraudulently to solicit money supposedly to benefit the chief and the Meridian Police Department.
Detective Deano Harper, an MPD spokesman, said officers learned about the scam Friday.
Harper said the police investigators are looking into the matter. Once the people responsible are identified, he said, they could be charged with fraud or false pretense.
Convictions for both charges, he said, carry prison sentences of up to seven years.
Anyone with information about the scam is asked to call CrimeStoppers at 485-1860. Harper made a special appeal for people who already have been called and have their banks cancel any checks that already have been written.