Attorney General Urges Donors to Watch Out For Scams

Attorney General Martha Coakley on Wednesday reminded those who want to give to support victims of the Boston Marathon attacks to do their homework first to ensure the charity is reputable. More than 125 website domain names relating to the Boston Marathon explosions were registered within a few hours of the attacks Monday, according to Consumer Affairs Undersecretary Barbra Anthony. Fraudulent websites have popped up in the aftermath of other national tragedies, including the Sandy Hook Elementary School shootings in Newtown. Coakley warned would-be donors to protect themselves from fund-raising scams by making sure any websites they visit match a registered charity and to beware of professional fund-raisers who try to make their solicitations sound like they are coming directly from the charity itself or volunteers. Coakley's office offered a handful of tips, including getting to know the charity by taking time to verify the address, phone number, and contact information and reviewing the website and written material. When possible, consider the charity's history. Be wary of appeals that are "long on emotion," according to Coakley's office. A legitimate charity will tell donors how it's using the money after a disaster. Do not pay cash and never give a credit card number to a fund-raiser over the phone. Websites like Charitynavigator.org and BBB.org/charity help donors get additional information on a particular charity.

School Safety Response and Concerns
A Message from the Chief of Police Erving M. Marshall Jr.

Public safety officials from the towns of Townsend, Pepperell and Ashby have been meeting this past week with the administration of the North Middlesex High School District to review and discuss our emergency response protocols in the wake of the tragic events that took place last Friday at the Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, CT. I am confident, that not only are adequate protocols in place, but that we go one step further in an attempt to get in front of any potential concerns through our  partnership with the school district, Middlesex County District Attorney's Office, Department of Children and Families and local public safety officials at our Community Based Justice Meetings which take place once a month to identify and discuss issues within the student population that may be of concern. I know that there are many concerns out there from how to discuss these sensitive issues with your children to what signs to look for that might be concerning to you. I have attached some websites with information that might answers some of the questions and concerns that you might have.  I would like to also advise that a "parents night" will be held in the auditorium of the North Middlesex High School on January 3, 2013 at 7:00 PM which is open to anyone, here we will be discussing these and other issues that may be of concern. Lastly, I would as for your full cooperation in helping us identify any problems or issues with your own child or a child that may be known by you,which could be a matter of concern. Any knowledge of perceived threats of violence of any nature should be brought to the attention of the school administration and/or your local police department immediately.