Beware of Fraudulent Callers Soliciting Money on Behalf of the Fire Department

The Glendale Fire Department has received at least three reports of fraudulent callers asking residents for donations on behalf of or for the fire department. These calls are bogus and residents are urged to hang up the phone immediately.

The fire department does not solicit donations over the phone.

Captain Stu Stefani of the GFD said that faux calls like these usually happen after a significant fire or event in our area. Callers will solicit residents or businesses for money, claiming that it will be donated to the GFD. But, these recent calls are “out of the blue,” said Stefani.

“The Fire Department has had three different people call… asking if we are taking donations,” said Stefani. “A gentleman even stopped by the station with a check because he felt bad after being pressured by a caller.”

The caller or callers are unknown at this time. Stefani noted that it is a difficult crime to catch.

“The caller will say anything they need to get a donation,” said Stefani. “I can only imagine what they do with the money.”

Stefani said that when potential victims start asking questions, the caller will hang up.

Residents should always ask questions and research a charity before making a donation.

The GFD offers these tips for dealing with charity solicitations:

• Do not provide bank or credit card information over the phone on calls that you did not expect.

• Do not be enticed to make donations because of promises of prizes, cash awards or sweepstakes.

• Do not give when someone offers to come to your house to personally pick up your gift.

• Do not give when the caller cannot answer specific questions about the charity.

• Do not give when high-pressure tactics are used.

• Do not make out a check to an individual or to cash. Always make the check out to the name of the charity.

If you think you have been the victim of a fraudulent phone solicitation, contact the Glendale Police Department at (818) 548-4840.