Watch out for fake fundraising calls for firefighters, Calgary police say

Calgary police are warning people about a phone scam where callers pretend to be raising money for firefighters.

Calgary police have recently received four reports of people getting phone calls soliciting money on behalf of a firefighter-related charity.

In fact, though, the Calgary Fire Department never solicits donations and there are no current fundraising campaigns on behalf of firefighter charities, and none that involve telemarketing, officials say.

"It's unfortunate that fraudsters are targeting citizens during the holiday season and attempting to take advantage of the goodwill that citizens often express towards Calgary firefighters and the Calgary Fire Department," said department spokesperson Carol Henke.

"If you receive a suspicious phone call that you think may be a scam, we advise that you hang up immediately."

If you have been the victim of a telemarketing or phone fraud, please call the Calgary Police Service non-emergency number at 403-266-1234.

• MORE CALGARYNEWS |Edward Downey guilty of murdering Calgary girl, 5, and her mother
• MORE CALGARYNEWS |Calgarian who killed man in 2-punch fight sentenced to year in jail
• Read more articles byCBC Calgary, like us onFacebookfor updates and subscribe to ourCBC Calgary newsletterfor the day's news at a glance