Fundraising Scam Targets Tiverton Residents

Tiverton residents are being targeted in an alleged fundraising scam where telephone solicitors are seeking donations for a "local" fire department.

Tiverton Fire Chief Rober Lloyd said that neither the department or the local firefighters union are currently involved in fundraising campaigns.

"This kind of solicitation is against our charter," said Lloyd. "The union, which is a fraternal organization, did run telephone campaigns in the past, but they do not anymore."

Jay Andrade, of Local 1703, said the department was recieving multiple calls about the solicitation.

"We are not currently soliciting donations for the Local [union] or the department,"  he said.

At least one elderly Tiverton woman fell victim to the scam, and recieved a bill for $25, according to Lloyd.

Repeated attempts by Lloyd to contact the company remain unanswered, but Lloyd said he linked the scam telephone number to a Wisconsin-based fundraising company.

According to the state Attorney General Office, the company retains 93 percent of all donations earned, forwarding just 7 percent to the charitable organization.

"Anyone who feels they are the victim of a scam or who suspect they might have donated money to any illegitimate cause is to contact the Tiverton Police Department so a report can be made and investigated," said Lt. Patrick Jones of the the Tiverton Police Department.

Jones could neither confirm or deny any ongoing investigations into the matter.

"We are not soliciting," said Fire Chief Robert Lloyd. "Do not contribute, do not leave money in your door, stay away from this."