SAN DIEGO : Beware of Solicitors, Firefighters Say

The union representing San Diego firefighters warned residents Friday that phone solicitors are increasingly using deception to raise funds in the firefighters’ name.

Telemarketers have invoked the name of the firefighters to solicit donations for the UCSD Burn Center, Homeless USA and for the fire department itself, Kimberley Harry of the city firefighters’ union, said.

“We’ve had a lot of complaints,” Harry said. “Lately it’s been getting worse.”

According to Harry, federal laws protect the telemarketing firms from disclosing how they distribute their collected money.

“As a result, about 97% of the money lines their pockets, and only 3% goes to the charities they were meant for.”

To ensure that donations reach a desired charity, Harry said to skip the telemarketers altogether.

“Rather than give to a telemarketer, find out what the organization is they are representing. Then, give directly to that organization,” Harry said.

Donors who would like to verify a telephone solicitation that names the San Diego firefighters can call 563-6161 for accurate information.