Fake Salvation Army Bell Ringers

Police are warning that a fake Salvation Army bell ringer is on the loose in Topeka, Kansas:

The "freelance ringer," as Yockey termed the man, had worked for the Salvation Army for the holiday season but began to show up late for his shifts. Then, the day before he was fired, the man placed a Santa hat atop his red kettle and told passersby that the kettle was full and to place money in the hat.
He was then fired.
But on Sunday, when ringers don't work but many of the racks holding the kettles are still out, the man went to the store at S.W. 10th and Topeka and attached a hat to the stand. He then began asking for money.
An astute shopper noticed the man and, knowing the Salvation Army doesn't ring on Sundays, called it in.

I never give to the Salvation Army anyway. (Yes, I'm a scrooge). So I'm pretty much immune to this scam.

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Scams

Posted on Thu Dec 17, 2009



Comments

Fake Salvation Army Santas seem to turn up every December.
If you want a charity to get your money, send them a check. Don't give it to someone on the street, or somebody knocking on your door.
Posted by Big Gary  on  Thu Dec 17, 2009  at  09:56 AM
I'm a Scrooge too, apparently, I hate the bell ringing. It feels like they're drawing attention to you as you walk by without dropping anything in. I do plenty of donations to my chosen charities through the year, I'd like to keep my pocket change, thank you very much.

As for the freelancer, at least he's getting out there and trying to make a little money. You could almost call it performance art 😉
Posted by kristen55  on  Thu Dec 17, 2009  at  10:35 AM
I never give to the Salvation Army either. I'm anti-religious.
Posted by Carl Fink  on  Thu Dec 17, 2009  at  03:12 PM
Seeing has the Salvation Army has an actively anti-gay stance in their charity work (openly refusing to work with any groups that do, too), I won't be giving to the bell ringers anyway. There are better charities out there, and they don't annoy me on street corners to get my money anyways.
Posted by Jess  on  Thu Dec 17, 2009  at  03:16 PM
The Salvation Army has turned into a right wing fundy religious group. I used to give them money all the time but stopped about 5 years ago. After they got caught in Texas recently screening poor kids for citizenship before allowing them toys clinched it for me. Now not only do I not give them money, I tell my friends not to too.
Posted by mark  on  Thu Dec 17, 2009  at  08:43 PM
*Yawn* This story always rises to the top of the news this time of year.
Posted by Charles  on  Fri Dec 18, 2009  at  07:18 AM
It's about time obnoxious bell-ringers got their comeuppance of ripoffitude.

Religion or not, charity or not, background-checking children or not, disturbing the peace should be enforced.
Posted by Eric  on  Fri Dec 18, 2009  at  02:57 PM
mark, the SA started off as a fundamentalist organization and haven't given up their late-19th century mindset.
I'm annoyed with them because any more they are the only charity that stores will allow to ask for funs. The VFW sells Buddy Poppies (r) in order to raise money to help veterans tide over small emergencies. It's getting harder to do this, not just because of the SA but also the VFW is seen as an organization that will cause a rior or some such.
Posted by Christopher Cole  on  Fri Dec 18, 2009  at  04:22 PM
I agree! Fellow bell-ringer here who is enamored with this mission. Improv Everywhere and handbells? Gotta love the combination! I
Posted by th  on  Tue Dec 22, 2009  at  06:16 AM
I'm with you. I donate plenty of money to Vegan Outreach, UNICEF, the Red Cross, Amnesty International, Farm Sanctuary, etc. I don't like the anti-gay stuff I've heard associated with SA.
Posted by Canaduck  on  Thu Jan 21, 2010  at  02:59 PM
I agree with the comments about being a tough job. Most times all they get from most of us is a frown. The Bell Ringer at the Walmart on 37th street is magnificent! He's such a joy to have in front of the store. Even when we are having a bad day he can make us smile. And the way he reacts with the children is awesome. Topeka needs more of this kind of person. Way to go Salvation Army!
Posted by Insurance Quotes  on  Thu Apr 15, 2010  at  11:54 AM
Hey there, I'm actually a Salvo from australia, i can see why some people do get annoyed at the salvos as there are people out there that claim to be salvos or people claiming to be speading the salvation army word when they really know nothing about our values, but all they see is a small picture... The salvation army is not anti gay.. but saying that we are not pro gay.... as the salvation army is a christian group... it is based on christian values... and part of that we believe god created women and men to be partnered together not men with men or women with women... but if that is the life they choose we will not judge them for it they are still human beings and should be treated as such...

so if u do come accross a salvation army that is "anti gay" hit up the salvaton army head quaters and let them know your concerns... and beleive me they will listen and do something about it.
Posted by Greg  on  Fri Apr 23, 2010  at  06:18 AM
This is always something I suspected could have, and would have happened a lot. The public, myself included, rarely notice when things are out of place like this particular bell ringer and his action may cast doubt on charity workers in general. too bad
Posted by Sarasota Real Estate  on  Mon May 03, 2010  at  04:41 PM
I won't be giving to the bell ringers anyway. There are better charities out there, and they don't annoy me on street corners to get my money anyways.
Posted by manchester handyman  on  Mon May 10, 2010  at  08:39 PM
Absolutely. Sort of scam.
Posted by Ideasto Income  on  Thu May 20, 2010  at  12:38 AM
Not to trust this stuff anymore.
Posted by blossom tv show  on  Sun Jun 06, 2010  at  11:18 AM
I agree! Fellow bell-ringer here who is enamored with this mission. Improv Everywhere and handbells? Gotta love the combination! I
Posted by Sesli Sohbet  on  Sat Aug 21, 2010  at  06:29 PM
I know a woman who rang the bell SA. He got paid. He did it to get more money, and in his case I can understand why, but it still seems strange that they tell you that the donation is to pay the bell sounded. I, myself, I prefer to do a lot of KY and donate items, like money.
Posted by Debt Help  on  Mon Nov 15, 2010  at  08:35 AM
Alright, this man must be caught. He is basically calling everyone who puts money in his hat a fool. He also is giving the Salvation Army a bad reputation. He is probably on drugs and has very little moral values.
Posted by Share Tips  on  Mon Feb 07, 2011  at  01:46 AM
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