Journal-News
HAMILTON, Ohio — In the wake of the death of Hamilton firefighter Patrick Wolterman on Dec. 28, police detectives began investigating solicitation scammers taking advantage of the tragic loss.
On Wednesday, police indicated the fake calls and solicitations are continuing.
“Today, residents in the Hamilton area were again receiving calls claiming to be from charities benefiting firefighters and police officers who have been killed in the line of duty,” Sgt. Ed Buns said Wednesday.
There have been three phone numbers associated with the calls, he said: 513-433-5267, 513-433-5265, and 513-433-5269.
Though the calls appear to be local phone numbers, Buns said they could be coming from anywhere.
“These numbers are created by telephone service providers that allow persons with criminal intent to have incoming phone calls to the receiver’s phones appearing to be local, when in fact they may be coming from anywhere,” he said.
If a person receives a call from one of these numbers they should hang up, he said, adding that the caller “is not a fundraiser representing anyone in Hamilton.”
The bottom line, he said, is that no one will be calling soliciting donations. No one, he said, is authorized to call on behalf of the Hamilton Fire Department, Hamilton Police Department, IAFF Local 20, or any other entity.
There are other legitimate options for those wanting to make a donation to the Wolterman family, Buns said.
“You can either go into a bank and deposit money or go to your computer to the GoFundMe account,” he said.
Donations for the family can be made to the Firefighter Wolterman Memorial Fund at any First Financial Bank.
An online GoFundMe account has also been set up by Landon Watts, who is the cousin of Wolterman’s widow, Bre. The money raised through the GoFundMe account is earmarked to help the family with funeral arrangements and other expenses.
“Patrick’s legacy will be forever remembered as a hero,” Watts posted on the GoFundMe page.
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