Scam alert: Callers after money claiming to be from local fire departments

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BETHEL PARK, Pa. — A phone scam is hitting the area, with the person on the other line claiming they work for various fire departments so they can cash in.

The Bethel Park Volunteer Fire Company took to Facebook to set the record straight after getting word of fraudulent fundraising happening over the phone.

Officials said the scammer not only posed as someone working with the Bethel Park Volunteer Fire Company, but also with other neighboring departments, such as Library, Castle Shannon and Upper St. Clair.

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Leanne Dresmich, a realtor in Bethel Park, said she was victimized.

Dresmich said she received what seemed like a promising call from a company in Florida called Fire Safety Magnets. She was told that if she gave the person her credit card info and details, they would advertise her real estate work in a fire safety magnet that would be sent out in surrounding Pittsburgh communities.

Dresmich said it seemed legitimate, so she complied. She’s now out thousands of dollars.

Bethel Park Volunteer Fire Company officials said they will never fundraise over the phone or go door-to-door. They also said they have no contract with this company.

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