Everett Fire Department posted this to social media regarding concerns about phone fundraising solicitations that involve people claiming to represent firefighters. We thought we pass it along here as well.
Summary: WE DO NOT SOLICIT FUNDS OR MONEY OVER THE PHONE!
We have been made aware of a possible phone scam taking place in our area where the caller tries to solicit money over the phone on behalf of the “fire department”. Please know that we do not solicit money or funds over the phone.
We urge you to be extremely cautious when receiving unsolicited phone calls asking for donations. Scam artists are generally smooth talkers and like to touch on buzz words or phrases.
If you have a doubt about the legitimacy of a group, you can always check the IRS website at
There are paid professional fundraisers who solicit money on behalf of fire and police departments. Before you give them money, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) urges you to consider these facts:
Simply having the words “police” or “firefighter” in an organization’s name doesn’t mean police or firefighters are members of the group.Just because an organization claims it has local ties or works with local police or firefighters doesn’t mean contributions will be used locally or for public safety. The organization should be able to provide you with written information describing the programs your donation will support, and their fund-raising costs before you donate.Most solicitations for police and fire service organizations are made by paid professional fund-raisers.Donations to some police or firefighter groups may not be tax-deductible. Many kinds of organizations are tax-exempt, including fraternal organizations, labor unions, and trade associations, but donations to them may not be tax-deductible.To learn more about how to keep yourself safe from phone scams, visit https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/…/0085-fundraisers-calling….
February 3, 2022
Everett Fire