Fake charity solicits money for AMBER Alert system

OLYMPIA -- The Washington State Patrol is warning citizens of a scam soliciting money in the name of the AMBER Alert system.

Many area residents have received calls asking for money for Washington state's AMBER Alert, the statewide child abduction alert bulletin. According to WSP, scammers tell potential donors that all proceeds will go to support the AMBER Alert program, and go to advance the program's reach .

No local agencies, WSP agents or anyone else is legally soliciting funds to support the alert system, officials said. The origin of the calls asking for money is unknown.

Washington State Patrol officials reminded anyone making a charitable donations to research the charity before handing over funds. The Washington state Secretary of State's website provides some excellent resources to help the public identify legitimate charities, officials said.