Delaware County Sheriff warns of phone scam

Authorities in Delaware county are warning residents about a telemarketing scam which claims to benefit the sheriff’s department. Area residents say they’ve gotten calls recently from telemarketers who say they’re collecting money for bulletproof vests for the sheriff’s department. Delaware county Sheriff John Le Claire says it’s not the work of his department, or any authorized representative. If people get such a call or mailed solicitation, he’d like them to let the sheriff’s department know, because no money being collected right now is going to his or other law-enforcement agencies. The sheriff says the Iowa State Sheriff’s and Deputies Association is the only organization authorized to raise money on their behalf, and they only do it by mail.