SPS Fire Scam Alert Warning Issued In Abington

ABINGTON TOWNSHIP, PA —The Abington Township Fire Marshal’s Office has become aware of individuals potentially attempting to scam the community surrounding the SPS Technologies fire in mid-February.

Township officials said the scam is targeting those who may be vulnerable, distressed, or concerned after the recent fire, which heavily damaged the 600,000-square-foot building on Highland Avenue.

Nearly 70 fire companies from the Philadelphia region battled the blaze for several days.

Abington Fire Marshal Chris Platz has offered residents tips on how to best protect themselves from getting scammed about the SPS Technologies fire and all emergencies.

Here are some of the suggestions:

PHONE AND TEXT MESSAGE SCAMS

After an incident, you may receive phone calls and text messages from unknown numbers offering you assistance. Many of our personal phone numbers are online, so a simple search can provide them with all the information they need. Be cautious providing any information to them and certainly do not provide any sort of financial information. Scammers may try to impersonate FEMA or insurance agents to steal personal information or may try to get you to quickly sign a document before fully understanding your rights and what they are planning. If you receive suspicious texts or calls, hang up, don’t click on any links, and verify the source through official contact details.

UNSOLICITED IN-PERSON SOLICITATIONS

Abington Township has a strong solicitation ordinance. All solicitors are required to be registered with the Abington Township Police Department, and if approved, have a copy of their Solicitation License on them at all times. Be sure to ask for identification and do not make decisions on the spot. Be cautious of people approaching you in person offering "free help" with repairs, insurance claims, or government assistance. They may even state that the fire department sent them, which is not true. Be sure to get everything in writing and properly review it before signing anything.

To check to see if a solicitor is licensed, visit https://www.abingtonpa.gov/residents/solicitation-current-permit-list.

DAMAGE ASSESSMENTS OR INSURANCE CLAIMS

If you feel the need to have your property assessed for any damage, or to file any insurance claims, we encourage you to first contact your insurance company. You may be approached/contacted by individuals/companies offering you assistance, but we always encourage you to start with your insurance company. While there are legitimate agencies that can assist in the situations, we often hear about illegitimate organizations taking advantage of stressful times. If you have a local agent, they may be able to walk you through the process and answer any questions you may have. Take time to evaluate any proposals and contracts prior to signing and contact legal counsel should you feel the need.

FRAUDULENT DONATIONS

We are truly grateful for the community’s support and the donations that have been made. Be cautious of anyone requesting donations without first verifying they are a legitimate representative of that organization. If you receive a solicitation request for an Abington Township Fire Company and would like to verify its authenticity, please send an email to FireMarshal@AbingtonPA.gov.

FAKE TOWNSHIP, COUNTY, OR FEDERAL EMPLOYEES

Never trust someone claiming to be a representative of the Township, County, or Federal government without proper ID. Abington Township staff will always have identification on them indicating who they are and their role with the township. Government employees will never ask for money or any other form of payment.

FALSE JOB SOLICITATION SCAMS

If you're currently out of work after the fire, be cautious of job offers on social media that claim to be from the government or reputable agencies with immediate openings. These offers are often scams aimed at stealing your personal information. Scammers may ask for sensitive details like your Social Security number or bank account information. Never share personal information through links on social media, and always verify job offers through official government channels or the agency's official website.

"We encourage everyone to be vigilant for themselves, their families, and their fellow community members," police said.

Anyone who believes they or someone was scammed should reach out to the Abington Township Police Department at 267-536-1100.

For questions regarding this notice, please reach out to the Abington Township Fire Marshal at FireMarshal@AbingtonPA.gov or 267-536-1057.