Fire department warns public about donation scam

The Cathedral City Fire Department is warning the public about a new scam that’s using the department as a guise for criminals to cash in.

According to a release from the C.C.F.D., scammers are calling businesses and homes seeking donations on behalf of the fire department. The person then asks the potential victim to leave the money somewhere, so they can retrieve it later. However, fire officials said they may make other arrangements to collect the money as well.

Officials said they want to make sure nobody falls victim to the scam. They said at no time will representatives from the fire department request donations this way.

Anyone who has fallen victim to this scam should report the incident to the Cathedral City Police Department at 760-770-8200, or the Cathedral City Fire Department at 760-770-0300.