LEXINGTON, Ky. (LEX 18) — Officials with the Lexington Fire Department tell LEX 18 that they have received reports about a scam that is making the rounds this summer.
Lexington Fire Department Major Jordan Saas tells LEX 18's Kylen Mills that they have received reports of scammers claiming to be fire department representatives asking for donations.
He said that they first received the reports in June. They were told that someone called asking for money, claiming to be with the Lexington Fire Department. Major Saas says that the scammers even called him.
"When I asked, they said that they were based out of Columbus, Ohio. I said, 'how does that impact me, locally?' I was curious, I was kind of playing the system, and he said, 'it's a national organization.' But he couldn't tell me where the money was going or what it was going to be spent on," Saas told LEX 18.
He says that often times, the scammers will be vague, or unable to answer specific questions.
"Do your due diligence, make sure you ask questions, make sure you take your time, ask for things in writing," said Saas.
The fire department may get special permission from the city council to solicit money, but Saas said it would not be over a phone call.
"It will be in writing, most of the time it will be in person, and they will show proper identification. We never call somebody from the Lexington Fire Department for donations," said Saas.
If you receive a scam call asking for fire department donations, please contact the Federal Trade Commission or the Better Business Bureau.
