The DeKalb County Volunteer Fire Department warning residents to be wary of fraudulent phone solicitations from individuals claiming to represent the department.
DeKalb County Fire Chief Donny Green said the department began receiving reports from citizens regarding phone calls asking for donations toward a camp for children who have suffered burns.
“We have not partnered or we’re not using any type of other agencies or vendors or parties to do any type of solicitations, and we never do that,” Green said. “And we never do it over the telephone.”
Green said the department first became aware of the scam after a member of the fire department received one of the fraudulent calls. Green said the callers often use the name of the DeKalb County Fire Department to create a sense of legitimacy for their requests.
“And sometimes these are scams or fraudulently placed calls to use the front of a fire department or a cause like a camp for burn children, which, you know, everyone wants to support something like that,” Green said. “And we just don’t want anybody taken advantage of by their generosity and their willingness to help a cause like this.”
Green said legitimate fundraisers for the volunteer department are always advertised publicly and conducted in person. Green said residents should ask for the name and contact information of the fire chief to verify any solicitation they receive.
“Really the only way to tell the difference is just to ask questions,” Green said. “And if they’re saying they’re calling on behalf, you know, ask them for who the chief of that department is and a phone number and then maybe call, look up that number and call that person and just verify that that department is having someone to work on their behalf.”
Green said similar fraudulent activity has been reported involving law enforcement agencies in DeKalb County and surrounding areas. Green said the department is using social media to educate the public and encourage residents to validate any donation requests before giving money.
“I think you always have the time to say, ‘Let me check into this and I’ll get back with you,’ and just take the time and don’t feel pressured to do something on the spur of the moment that you might regret later,” Green said.
Green said the DeKalb County Fire Department consists of 12 stations and approximately 80 volunteer firefighters.
