The Wyoming State Fire Marshal’s Office, several news sources, and fire departments across Wyoming have reported a phone scam where someone claiming to be from the Wyoming State Firemen’s Association (W.S.F.A.) is trying to solicit money to help burned children. One report cites the caller as also claiming association with the Wyoming Paramedic Association.
Saratoga Fire Chief Randy Sikes said that he has only heard about the purported scam though social media and has not received any calls from Upper North Platte Valley residents about the matter. Carbon County Sheriff Jerry Colson also said that his department has not received any calls regarding the scam. Sheriff Colson noted that in his experience it is more effective to donate directly to your local agency even if the phone solicitation is legitimate.
It has been reported that the calls come from a phone number beginning in 307-886 which caller ID shows as an Afton, Wyo. exchange. Calls have apparently been made to residents of Sweetwater and Goshen counties.
According to one source, the W.S.F.A. does not solicit donations over the phone. Firefighters associated with the W.S.F.A. have said the association does hold a yearly raffle, but that does not include fundraising over the phone.
If you have been contacted by this scammer or are suspicious of other possible phone scams, report the information to the Carbon County Sheriff Department at 307-324-2776.
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