MANSFIELD - Police have contacted the state Attorney General about a telemarketing scam soliciting businesses for Mansfield firefighters without the union's permission.

Callers for the Mansfield Firefighters Charitable Foundation have asked business owners to buy advertisements in a publication, with the proceeds benefiting the Mansfield Permanent Firefighters Association Local 1820, Detective Sgt. Sam Thompson said Thursday.

The businesses have been quoted prices of $75 for a quarter-page ad and $250 for either a half-page or full-page, Thompson said.

The callers have asked businesses to leave the check, made out to MFCF, in their door or with their secretary. They leave bogus receipts that lists the group as the "Firefighters Charitable Foundation."

"They just eliminate the Mansfield from it," Thompson said. Police recovered some of the checks Thursday.

Only businesses have reported the scam so far, Thompson said.

Thompson said he has called the Firefighters Charitable Foundation, a legitimate foundation in New York.

"They are not soliciting in Massachusetts," he said.

Police are asking community members not to buy the ads.

Anyone called by the scam is asked to call the Mansfield police or fire departments.

Mansfield firefighters union President Robert Merritt said his group is not fundraising now.

The North Attleboro firefighters union recently alerted taxpayers in its town that the foundation was not fundraising for them despite reports of calls to the contrary.