FRAUD ALERT: Man Sought for Blue Cut Fire Donation Scam

PHELAN, Calif:(VVNG.com)- Authorities would like to remind the public about an active scam targeting mainly senior citizens.

The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department has received reports from residents of a man calling claiming to represent CALFIRE. The caller is asking residents for donations to assist persons displaced by the recent Blue Cut Fire.

According to Deputy H. Hubbard at the Phelan station several victims, mostly senior citizens have fallen victim to the scam. The District Attorney is now involved and actively investigating.

The Sheriff’s Department has confirmed with CALFIRE that they are not soliciting for donations and encourage citizens not to give anyone personal or banking information via the telephone regarding donations. CALFIRE will not call citizens and ask for donations.

If you have been contacted by anyone seeking donations on behalf of CALFIRE you are asked to call your local law enforcement agency and report this fraudulent activity. If you have made a donation to CALFIRE based on a phone call you received soliciting a donation also contact your local law enforcement agency.

Anyone with information regarding this investigation is urged to contact Deputy H. Hubbard at the Phelan Sheriff’s Station at (760) 868-1006 between the hours of 8am – 5pm. Callers wishing to remain anonymous are urged to call the We-tip Hotline at 1-800-78-CRIME (27463) or you may leave information on the We-Tip Hotline at www.wetip.com.