Barrow County officials are hoping the public won't fall victim to scammers posing as Barrow County EMS officials soliciting donations.
Several businesses and residents have reported the phone calls, which claim to be seeking money for the Georgia Burn Foundation, according to a Steve Rose, Barrow County EMS assistant public information officer.
"We have not received any notification from the Georgia Burn Foundation that they are conducting phone solicitations in the area. If citizens receive a call asking for money to be donated on behalf of our department, please hang up," said Rose in a statement.
Collections for the foundation are typically done with the annual "Boot Drive," with firefighters collecting money in their boots at local intersections, or at organized events.
Rose said the department does not endorse these phone solicitations.
“We heard about a similar scam recently in surrounding counties. Unfortunately, it seems these criminals are now falsely using the Barrow County Emergency Services name and a worthy charity to scam money out of unsuspecting citizens,” said Chief John Skinner in a statement.
Anyone wishing to donate can call Barrow County EMS at (770) 307-2987 to make sure their donation is going through the proper channels.
