Missoula, Mont. — The Missoula County Sheriff’s Office is issuing a warning to residents about scam callers who are reportedly attempting to take advantage of the devastating wildfires currently ravaging California.
According to authorities, these scammers are calling local residents, claiming to be from a fire department and asking for financial donations to aid in firefighting efforts. The sheriff’s office stresses that these calls are most likely fraudulent and urges residents to be cautious.
The sheriff’s office advises recipients of such calls to confirm the legitimacy of the request by directly contacting the fire department the caller claims to represent. To protect themselves, residents are encouraged to follow the “Stop, Think, Act” approach when dealing with unsolicited requests for money.
The ongoing wildfires have prompted significant relief efforts across the nation, and while many legitimate organizations are seeking donations, authorities caution the public to remain vigilant and skeptical of any unsolicited solicitations over the phone.
Residents are reminded that authentic charity organizations will typically provide clear and verifiable information, and individuals should avoid giving out personal or financial details to unknown callers.
