SCAM ARTISTS TARGET RESIDENTS IN NAME OF LOCAL HOMELESS SERVICE AGENCY

Officials at the Downtown Emergency Service Center (DESC), a nonprofit service agency working with disabled and vulnerable homeless adults, are warning Seattle-area residents about a wave of fraudulent solicitations by scam artists falsely claiming to represent the agency. DESC has received several reports from concerned residents in Seattle, Kirkland, and Tukwila of people falsely claiming to represent DESC, going door-to-door and asking for donations on behalf of the agency.

SEATTLE - November 8, 2002 - Officials at the Downtown Emergency Service Center (DESC), a nonprofit service agency working with disabled and vulnerable homeless adults, are warning Seattle-area residents about a wave of fraudulent solicitations by scam artists falsely claiming to represent the agency.

DESC has received several reports from concerned residents in Seattle, Kirkland, and Tukwila of people falsely claiming to represent DESC, going door-to-door and asking for donations on behalf of the agency. Witnesses provided descriptions of more than three different 'solicitors, each providing a DESC picture identification card in an attempt to demonstrate their legitimacy. Some of the potential victims of this scam have reported that the suspects come with free weekly or monthly periodicals in hand, stating that they are selling them as part of an organized fundraiser.

"Many people may feel intimated by people asking for money for 'good causes' and will make a donation in the hope they will go away," said Bill Hobson, Executive Director of DESC.

"It is definitely not authorized by us. If anyone has been approached, we would like for them to call the police and to also let us know about it." Hobson says any information victims can provide-name, description, card number-will be helpful in identifying suspects and putting this scam to an end. Residents can call (206) 464-1570, ext. 3005, or e-mail fraud@desc.org. He also urges people to call the police immediately with a detailed description.

DESC does not currently engage in door-to-door solicitations, and has no plans to do so in the future. The identification cards being presented are issued to clients, staff and volunteers of the agency for internal use. Over 20,000 cards have been issued. Possession of a DESC identification card does not indicate that someone represents the agency.

The Downtown Emergency Service Center (DESC) is one of the largest multiservice centers for homeless adults in the Pacific Northwest. The agency is committed to providing basic survival services to, and advocacy for, homeless adults in the community, and assisting their achievement of the highest-possible level of self-sufficiency. DESCs programs include emergency shelter, clinical services and long-term supportive housing, aiming to provide a continuum of care that helps people to survive and to break the cycle of homelessness. For more information, visit www.desc.org.