Local fire departments warning communities against scam

MT. LEBANON, Pa. — Fire departments across Western Pennsylvania are warning their communities of a scam going around. People are receiving text messages claiming to sell T-shirts with proceeds going toward local fire departments. They are all scams.

Nick Sohyda, Mount Lebanon fire chief, told us he received the text, which was personalized “Dear Nick.”

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“I received a text that said ‘Dear Nick, get your Mt Lebo T-shirt, $10 off now.’

Pretty sure we are not selling T-shirts, it’s not one of our designs, and it’s pretty surprising someone was going to make a profit.”

Fire officials say not to click the link.

Here’s just a few of the departments that have posted warnings on social media: Eureka Fire-Rescue Station 281, Rochester Fire Department, Baldwin Independent Fire Co. #1 Station 105.

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Cochran Hose Company, Sewickley Fire Department, Leetsdale Fire Department, Moon Run Volunteer Fire Company, Hopewell Fire Department - Station 92, Coraopolis VFD and Quaill VFD.

They don’t want you losing money or having your financial information stolen. It’s also frustrating that many volunteer departments could use this money, but instead it’s going to a scammer.

“We don’t see a dime of that. That’s not the way we solicit funds,” Sohyda said.

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