The Red Bay Police Department is warning residents to be aware of a new scam that has emerged through the mail.

Police Chief Janna Jackson said the police department has gotten several reports of residents receiving a letter from the National Police Association in Stafford Texas asking for money to help the Red Bay Police Department.

“This is in no way affiliated with us, and we will not see that money,” Jackson said.

Jackson said several of the letters she has seen are putting an emphasis on current hot topics, such as the impact of COVID-19 or the anti-police efforts in some areas.

Jackson said an investigation into the scam has been turned over to the attorney general’s office.

Red Bay Investigator Kyle Gober said the attorney general’s office does have record of a National Police Association but not listed under the address used on the mailings.

“They are going to reach out to this organization to find out more information and see if it is a scam,” Gober said. “If it is a scam, then we will take further action to help anyone who might have donated money.”

Jackson said there are also reports of people receiving phone calls asking for money, to which she also does not recommend responding.

“A good way to tell if something is a scam is if it has a local name but the address is not out of the same place,” Jackson said.

Jackson said the Red Bay Police Department does not ask for money by mail or phone. If the department is asking for money, an officer will be sent out to ask for donations for an event the department is helping with or a charity.

Gober said there are so many scams going on these days that everyone needs to stay wary.

“You never want to see anyone taken advantage of, and a lot of these people prey on those who do not know any better,” Gober said.

Jackson said she always recommends if anyone has a question about the legitimacy of something, contact the police department.

“There are all kinds of scams nowadays,” Jackson said. “If anyone ever has a question about whether it is something legitimate, contact us.”