The Society of Organized Services (SOS) says at least one local business has been contacted by an organization called SOS, asking for a cash donation, and telling that business owner that SOS was raising money for the publication of a drug prevention book for youth.
"These calls are not from Society of Organized Services, and we never solicit cash donations by phone," says SOS executive director Renate Sutherland. "The organization, Save Our Schools, is a legitimate business, but is not involved with SOS here in Parksville, in any way."
When the business owner was contacted, "SOS" appeared on their call display, with an Alberta phone number, and the caller addressed the business owner by his first name. The local SOS says calls made from its organization always appear as "Private Caller" in call displays, for security reasons.
Sutherland also had a suggestion for people who are contacted by phone.
“We suggest that if you are contacted by anyone asking for a donation, ask that individual if they are calling on behalf of a registered charity, and ask for the registered charity number.”
— NEWS Staff/SOS