Dauphin County officials and volunteer fire companies warn of scam

HARRISBURG, PA (August 3, 2018) – Dauphin County Commissioners Jeff Haste, Mike Pries and George P. Hartwick, III and the Grantville Area Volunteer Fire Company are warning residents about a mail scam soliciting donations for volunteer fire companies.

Kansas-based Volunteer Firefighter Alliance has sent letters to residents of the county, as well as neighboring counties, requesting financial contributions for the Grantville Area Volunteer Fire Company in East Hanover Township in Dauphin County. The fire company, however, has no relationship with the alliance. 

According to Federal Trade Commission’s consumer alert website, citizens should do the following to avoid being scammed:

  • Spot imposters. Scammers often pretend to be someone you trust, like a government official, a family member, a charity, or a company you do business with. Don’t send money or give out personal information in response to an unexpected request — whether it comes as a letter, text, phone call or an email. 
  • Do online searches. Type a company or product name into your favorite search engine with words like “review,” “complaint” or “scam.”
  • Talk to someone. Before you give up your money or personal information, talk to someone you trust. Scammers want you to make decisions in a hurry. They might even threaten you. Slow down, check out the story, do an online search, consult an expert — or just tell a friend.
  • Keep your personal information to yourself.

 Editor’s note: A copy of the mailer is attached to this message.