The Southtown Star recently published an article warning residents about a fraudulent fundraising campaign pretending to represent the Manhattan Fire Protection District (FPD). The scam targeted firefighters and local residents, but it was ultimately exposed by a captain who recognized the suspicious call.
According to the report, a woman claiming to be named “Cindy†called Manhattan FPD Captain Gerald Kinsella, asking him to donate to the Manhattan Firefighters Association. Kinsella, aware that the department does not engage in phone solicitations, decided to play along to gather more details.
During the conversation, she offered different donation levels—$100 for "red," $50 for "white," and $35 for "blue"—and asked for a specific amount to receive a tax-deductible receipt. She insisted on getting the exact figure before sending any materials, which raised further red flags.
Kinsella later shared the details with Chief Dan Forsythe, noting the unusual request for a donation amount before providing any information. He also pointed out that the caller used a local 478 area code, making it seem more legitimate to potential victims.
Dawn Cupples, the fire district’s public education coordinator, confirmed that the Manhattan FPD never solicits donations over the phone. Instead, they send out an annual fundraiser letter in the coming month, along with tickets for a summer event on July 19. Donations are handled through mailed checks to the fire station, not by phone calls.
“We want people to know what we actually do and what these fraudsters are trying to do,†Cupples said. “They’re using our name to trick people into giving money.â€
The scammer claimed to be working with a Joliet-based fundraising organization, but the group's vice president denied any involvement, stating they primarily work with churches and schools and do not conduct phone solicitations.
Cupples urged residents to be cautious and avoid giving money to anyone calling under the guise of the Manhattan Firefighters Association. She emphasized that no official representatives would ever reach out by phone.
If you receive a similar call, hang up and contact the fire department directly to verify the legitimacy of the request. Stay alert and protect yourself from scams that exploit your trust.
Thanks, Dan.
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