Tulsa, Ok - The sound of the bell, the sight of kettle. Two trusted cues that your donations are going to the Salvation Army.

"We have a goal of $500,000 to raise," said Major Roy Williams.

But in this season of giving, inevitably, someone tries to take advantage of all that good will.

"So you just have to be real cautious," said TPD Office Leland Ashley.

Authorities say watch out for solicitations by phone.

"If you get those phone calls unsolicited, I wouldn't even bother with even talking with them," said Ashley.

"There are very strict guidelines and standards for fundraising," said United Way VP Sharon Gallagher.

"Our agencies don't make phone calls asking for solicitations to the general public, so a phone call might be a bit suspicious if they get a phone call," said Gallagher.

And as for that red kettle, it does not make house calls.

"We have had people who go door to door. Salvation army is not a door to door operation, and so if you get somebody knocking on your door asking for a donation for the salvation army, call me and let's look into that," said Major Williams.

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