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OTTUMWA, IOWA -- Ottumwa Police Chief Jim Clark issued the following statement concerning a door-to-door scam reported in Ottumwa.

The Ottumwa Police Department has received several complaints of a white female going door-to-door soliciting donations for a softball team or league.  The female, described as approximately 5’8” and weighing approximately 200 pounds, asks for cash or, if a check is offered, asks for it to be made payable to “CAS”. 

The Police Department believes this is a scam and is cautioning people not to donate to this person.  If anyone has contact with the female, please contact the Police Department immediately at (641)683-0661.

The public is reminded to be extremely cautious about donating to anyone going door-to-door soliciting contributions for an organization or charity regardless how legitimate the request sounds. 

A person wanting to make a donation should contact the organization or charity directly and verify the legitimacy of the need before making a contribution.  If you are unsure about a person going door-to-door, ask for their official credentials or identification and write down the information. 

Any person soliciting door-to-door must have a Solicitors License approved by the City Council and issued by the City Clerk.