Gainesville police warn residents to be on guard against scam artists who pretend to be friends of law enforcement. 

Corporal Joe Britte tells the Gainesville Times, con artists may go door to door, soliciting money on behalf of the police department or Fraternal Order of Police.  If you have any questions at all about whether the solicitation is legitimate, call Gainesville Police Community Relations.  A legitimate fundraiser should have proper credentials and identification. 

Corporal Britte worries the elderly may be particularly vulnerable to these scams and cons.  He identifies various red flags, including a hard-sell for cash and requests for personal information, including a credit card number or checking account. 

Police point out anyone posing as a government employee is committing fraud.