August 11, 2022
Firefighters Warn Communities of Text-Driven Merch Scam
Authorities say text messages sent to locals advertising the sale of T-shirts with fire company branding are not affiliated with the first responders.
Unscrupulous supposed merch purveyors are reportedly attempting to get consumers to buy T-shirts decorated with the branding of fire departments in the individuals’ communities, but the first responders say they’re not associated with the would-be swag-sellers and are warning locals not to buy the shirts.
It’s an increasingly common hoodwink that in other cases has involved schools and police departments, authorities say.
This time, the activity has been reported in Pennsylvania. Multiple fire departments in the Keystone State have warned locals about what they say is a scam designed to exploit well-intentioned folks’ desire to support firefighters.
The scheme centers on text messages in which recipients are invited to click a link to a site where they’ll get “$10 off” the purchase of a shirt of their local fire department.
Pennsylvania-based fire companies including Union Fire and Hose Co. in York County, as well as Lancaster Township Fire Department and Rheems Fire Department in Lancaster County, have posted warnings on their Facebook pages to alert their communities about the text messages.
“We have been made aware of many people receiving texts and notifications regarding Rheems Fire Department shirts and merchandise,” the outfit said in a Facebook post. “This entity is not associated with Rheems Fire Department nor are they authorized to use our insignia. Please do not support this SCAM.”
The text messages have come in a blitz, according to some locals. “I’ve gotten (this) text four times today,” said one commenter on the Union Fire Facebook page. “Almost got me!”
Lancaster Fire Department doesn’t sell shirts. Union Deposit does, but told Fox it wouldn’t use a text-blast platform for reaching the community.
Lancaster Township Fire Chief Steven Roy also said the text swag scheme could hurt the department’s fundraising efforts.
“Early to mid-October, we’ll begin our fund drive,” Roy said. “How many people who got this will say, ‘Oh it’s from Lancaster Township, is it a scam?’ So it can impact us in a significant way.”