Michigan: Phony Telemarketing Campaign

I've had calls from a Michigan Fireman's Assoc. also -- is this legit?

Contact your local authorities with the details about the call.

I am writing from Texas, but this still applies to any fireman/policeman/veteran/sick children group that may call you. Years ago, a veteran's association called me about a $30 donation to buy a ticket for a handicapped vet so that a group of handicapped vets could go to the circus. At the time, I didn't know, so I agreed and asked that the caller send me an envelope so that I could mail in my donation.  Half an hour later, a man that looked like a street bum showed up to collect the $30. I ran him off like I do the dogs that come into my yard to defecate. For fireman, I watch for the days when they stand by their firetrucks and hold out their boots for donations, and then I give whatever I have to give at the time.  But never, never, never from a phone call. Avoid giving them your mailing address too. I learned a lesson and now I am passing it on to you.

I got a call like this years ago. They gave their spiel. I listened, pretended to be enthusiastic, confided how much I support our men and women in uniform etc.  When he finally hit me up for the 30 bucks, I one upped him. I volunteered to give my time and participation to this worthy fund raising program, and started pumping him for contact details, names numbers and addresses.

I don't think he ever saw that coming.

I am a full time fire fighter in the southwest corner of Michigan and a member of the International Association of Fire Fighters.  Michigan firemans assoc is ligit but most of the money they collect does not get to the fire fighters.  If you sould get a call from anyone claiming to be associated with your local fire or police department get information mailed to you and the give it to your lacal fire department to follow up on or advise you if it is ligit or not