Phone Scammers 'At It Again' In Harford County: First Responders

HARFORD COUNTY, MD — Has someone called asking for money for Harford County first responders? The Harford County Volunteer Fire and EMS Association says that posers are behind the phone calls. In fact, the organization does not use the phone to solicit donations.

"The scammers are at it again," Jenn Chenworth, spokeswoman for the Harford County Volunteer Fire and EMS Association, said in a statement Thursday night.

"There have been multiple reports of phone calls soliciting money for Harford County Fire and EMS Association," Chenworth said. "The Harford County Fire and EMS Service does not phone solicit donations from the community. Please help spread the word that these calls are not legitimate."

For those who would like to donate to the Harford County Volunteer Fire and EMS Association, there is a website set up for that purpose: http://hcvfa.org/201/Donate.

The Havre de Grace Police Department has also been notified of a scam, this one not so altruistic in its appeal.

Police said a scammer has been calling victims and saying something to this effect:

"Don't hang up the phone. I have your son/daughter. Your son/daughter has been beat up and [is] located in a warehouse. Do not contact the police. If you don't comply, I will kill them." Police said that the scammer has someone pretend to be the victim's child, who asks for $4,000 to be released.

"If you get this call, do not send money!" the Havre de Grace Police Department says. "Contact the police right away; we will help you."

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