The Southtown Star recently published a story warning residents about a fraudulent fundraising campaign pretending to represent the Manhattan Fire Protection District.
A scammer reached out to Captain Gerald Kinsella of the Manhattan FPD, claiming to be raising money for firefighters. The caller, who introduced herself as "Cindy," asked for donations in different color-coded amounts—$100 for red, $50 for white, and $35 for blue. She claimed the contributions were tax-deductible and insisted on knowing the exact amount before sending any information or receipts.
Kinsella, aware that the fire department doesn’t solicit donations over the phone, played along to gather more details. He soon realized the call was suspicious and reported it to his superiors.
Fire officials are now urging residents to be cautious when receiving unsolicited donation requests. According to Dawn Cupples, the district’s public education coordinator, the fire department does not make phone calls asking for money. Instead, they send out an annual fundraiser letter in the coming month, which includes tickets for a summer event on July 19. Donations are collected through mail, not by phone.
The scammer claimed to be working with a Joliet-based organization, but representatives from that group denied any involvement, stating they primarily work with churches and schools and do not engage in phone fundraising.
Cupples emphasized that no one from the Manhattan Firefighters Association would ever call residents asking for money. She urged the public to verify any fundraising efforts and avoid giving money to unknown callers.
If you receive a call asking for donations on behalf of the fire department, hang up and contact the local station directly to confirm. Stay alert—scammers often use familiar names and organizations to trick people into giving money.
Thanks, Dan.
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