"Man nabbed in scam aimed at businesses to fund fake parties"

Always be careful whenever anyone asks you to contribute money. Scam artists have no compunction about playing your emotions against you.

From Jeorge Zarazua at the Express-News:

A 62-year-old Corpus Christi man was arrested Friday after an Atascosa County business reported it was scammed into sponsoring birthday parties for children who didn't exist.

Kenneth De Long is being held without bond at the Atascosa County Jail on a parole violation warrant for a previous drug-related conviction.

The man would pretend to be a rich, generous benefactor who was helping needy children, and he would con businesses into sponsoring fake parties. Someone complained to the sheriff's department about this guy, and he was caught because he happened to launch his spiel within earshot of a deputy.

De Long was arrested when [chief deputy David] Soward overheard him introduce himself to the manager of a Pleasanton café, offering to reserve a large space there for a birthday party.

"Once I heard him introduce himself, I recognized the name," Soward said. "I just happened to be at the right place at the right time."

A search of De Long's silver 1993 Toyota minivan revealed a receipt book of businesses he would receive money from for the "Foster Kids Birthday Party" fund.

Be careful who you give money to.