LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WHAS11) -- It's a problem police say they have had for years, but this year it may be worse than ever...unauthorized groups trying to get your money in the days before WHAS Crusade For Children.
On Thursday, we caught up with four people who say they're collecting money from the same Cincinnati church.
It appears they’ve been popping up shaking buckets at intersections all over town in recent days.
“Praise Jesus,” said a young woman in the back of a Louisville Metro Police patrol car.
She and another woman had just been picked up after police and firefighters said they admitted soliciting donations at the corner of Hike’s and Breckinridge Lanes for nearly six hours.
They were collecting less than a thousand yards from McMahan Firefighters, who said they had about $500 in their buckets.
It's a problem that firefighters say appears to be growing this year.
“I guess they're thinking they're already expecting people to be out, so it's a whole lot easier for them to get the money,” said Joe Elder, a firefighter for PRP Volunteer Fire Department.
But we found at least two groups hitting intersections Thursday without a permit.
Both were from Cincinnati Restoration Church.
Two men were at the corner of Muhammad Ali and 9th street when we pulled up.
“It's a blessing being out doing the Lord's work today,” a man who approached our vehicle said. “Saving lives and restoring families.”
We observed the men collect money from several people, and then we started asking questions.
The man who tried to get money from us told us his pastor was responsible for the permit.
We tried to contact the pastor at the church in Cincinnati, but he never responded.
We also tried to talk to two women, who dropped off the unlicensed solicitors at Hike’s Point, but they didn't have anything to say.
Infractions of the city's solicitation ordinance can carry penalties from a $50 fine to six months in jail, for repeated violations.
During Crusade week, firefighters have this advice.
“Be a little leery. We do appreciate your money, but be sure you verify who you're giving it to,” said Elder.
