Scam alert from the City of Troup

SMITH COUNTY — The City of Troup is alerting residents of a prominent fundraiser they may receive in the mail, calling it a scam. The fundraisers are sent by an organization known as the United States Deputy Sheriff’s Association (USDSA), which presents itself as a non-profit dedicated to supporting local law enforcement and the community. In recent mailings, the group requests donations for their Troup Area 2025 Fund Drive, claiming that they provide police agencies in Troup with bulletproof vests, helmets and other lifesaving equipment.

“Troup PD’s ballistic vests are purchased through our annual operating budget, and only as replacements become necessary,” city officials said. “Our commitment is to keep our community informed and to protect citizens from misleading or unclear solicitation practices.”

City official made residents aware on Monday that neither the city nor the Troup Police Department endorse or participate in any fundraising efforts from the USDSA, further noting that the organization consistently receives bad ratings due to a lack of transparency in their practices. The city recommends all residents to be cautious of any messages or mail from the non-profit and even clarified where they source some of their equipment.