NSW Fire Brigades warns against fraudulent fundraising in Gloucester and Greater Taree areas

Published: 21st March 2006

The NSW Fire Brigades (NSWFB) today issued a warning to residents of the Gloucester and Greater Taree areas against fraudulent telemarketers purportedly selling raffle tickets to raise money for the NSWFB.

"Over the past few days we have received a spate of complaints by members of the public in Gloucester and the Taree areas," said A/Superintendent Phillip Treacy, NSWFB Zone Commander for the region.

"The callers have apparently claimed that they are selling raffle tickets for the NSWFB.

"This appears to be a case of outright fraud – the NSWFB is an essential service that is funded by the State Government.

"We do not fundraise in this way."

A/Superintendent Treacy warned residents who received such calls not to give their credit card details over the phone and to disregard callers claiming to be raising funds for the NSWFB.

"It is shameful that there are people that would use the well-respected name of the NSWFB to mislead others and to cheat them out of their money," he said.

"I encourage anyone who receives such calls to contact their local police station."

Media contact: A/Superintendent Phillip Treacy. Tel. 6583 5906 / 0418 418 458.