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Manhattan FPD does not ask for donations by phone
The Southtown Star recently published an article warning residents about a fraudulent fundraising campaign impersonating the Manhattan Fire Protection District (FPD). A scammer reportedly called a local fire captain, falsely claiming to be raising money for firefighters, but was ultimately caught in the act.
According to the story, a woman who introduced herself as “Cindy†contacted Captain Gerald Kinsella of the Manhattan FPD and asked him to donate to the Manhattan Firefighters Association. Kinsella, aware that the department does not conduct phone solicitations, decided to engage with her to gather more details.
During the call, she offered different donation levels — $100 for "red," $50 for "white," and $35 for "blue." She encouraged Kinsella to choose an amount based on his comfort level. When he asked for written information, she became evasive, claiming that the organization needed a specific amount to issue a tax-deductible receipt.
Kinsella later shared the details with Chief Dan Forsythe, noting that the scammer’s tactics were suspicious. The incident highlights a growing concern among local officials, as scammers may use numbers with the 478 area code to target residents of the fire district.
Dawn Cupples, the fire district’s public education coordinator, emphasized that the Manhattan FPD never solicits donations by phone. Instead, they send out an annual fundraiser letter in the coming month, which includes tickets for a summer event scheduled for July 19. Donations are collected via mail, not over the phone.
“We want residents to know what we actually do, and to be cautious of people using our name for their own gain,†Cupples said.
Interestingly, the caller claimed to be working with a Joliet-based fundraising group. However, the vice president of that organization told the Southtown Star that they primarily work with churches and schools, do not engage in phone solicitations, and have no connection to the Manhattan firefighters.
Cupples reiterated that no one should ever give money to someone calling on the phone asking for donations on behalf of the Manhattan Firefighters Association.
This incident serves as a reminder to stay vigilant and verify any unsolicited donation requests, especially those involving local emergency services. If you receive such a call, it's best to hang up and contact the official office directly for confirmation.
Thanks, Dan.