DEMOPOLIS &8212; Bogus charge attempts by an individual claiming that he or she was making purchases on behalf of the Demopolis Area Chamber of Commerce resulted in the chamber distributing letters last week to its members regarding the operation of finances for the organization.

Chamber President Kelley Smith said the letters were sent as a precautionary measure to clarify any questions about charges made on behalf of the chamber.

Smith said the chamber was notified last month that someone was attempting to make charges for items on behalf of the chamber for Christmas on the River, which is an annual event for the chamber.

Smith said the business in which the individual attempted the charge reported the situation to the chamber before any transactions occured. Smith said the chamber purchases items for COTR with the business, and they were aware of who has authorization to charge for the organization, therefore, throwing a red flag when the individual made the charge attempt.

Smith said the individual in question also attempted to make purchases for items that were denied. She said the person gave businesses the impression that there were problems with COTR fund.

Smith also reported questions in the community about COTR volunteers.

Smith said anyone interested in volunteering should go through the chamber.

To volunteer you may contact the chamber at 334-289-0270.