Strange caller asks for donations

The other day I received a telephone call from a person who claimed to be a senior police officer. He told me that they were seeking ways to help needy Indonesian children. It was suggested that I might like to assist by making a contribution, for which I would receive a souvenir and I would also always be sure of receiving help from the police if needed. I explained that I was already assisting three Indonesian orphanages and that I really was not able to make a contribution.

The caller became very irate and asked for details of the orphanages being supported by me, which I said was a personal matter. He then demanded to know why I did not feel I might need to call upon the police for help in the future. When I said that I did not know how much longer I would stay in Indonesia, he completely lost his temper. I was told that people like me were not wanted in this country and that if I were to stay here he would like to come to my house and kill me. Hearing this, I hung up. Unfortunately, I did not remember the alleged name and rank of the caller.

This is not the first time I have received such a call requesting donations, but it is the first time I have received such abuse and threats. I wonder if any other readers have had similar experiences.

While I have considered reporting this matter to the authorities, I realize they now have many other matters which require their attention. Therefore I have not yet taken any action.

Name and address

known to the editor