The paid Baltimore County Firefighters were calling and collecting checks.

I honestly can't remember for sure. This was several weeks ago. I seem to remember that it was 410-817-xxxx but I can't be certain.

I got a call from "Baltimore County" saying that they were collecting (in the same manner as listed in the article) for the Fullerton house. I did leave a check, but they instructed me to write "for deposit" on the back of the check so that it could not go anywhere but into the account of the BCFD. I hope it wasn't a scam.

I just called my husband. He said it was Fullerton who called us also.

Oh my gosh, I feel like such a dingo if I got scammed, I thought I was smarter than that! I left a check for a fire department that I thought was a Baltimore County one and I remember the check was addressed to BCPFF. Is that legit or did I get scammed?

it was BCPFF that I wrote my check to as well.

I got the same calls as above. Numbers were 443-341-0118, 443-341-0114, 443-341-0119. It did say Baltimore County on my caller id, but still. I agreed to a donation and then had second thoughts as I thought it could be a scam. I ended up putting them on my call block as they must have called me 100 times a day for two weeks straight.

If you have any doubt folks, don't do it.
There are much more secure means of donating to these same worthwhile causes. Odds are pretty good this was a scam.

UPDATE (1:33 p.m.)—The Baltimore County Professional Fire Fighters & Paramedics IAFF Local 1311 union is collecting funds through phone calls and by checks left on doors, according to union president Michael Day. http://patch.com/A-pcJc

oops - I guess we owe the Fullerton Fire Department a check! Maybe they should consider collecting in a different way though. It just didn't seem legit to us.

Just write those checks out to me and I'll make sure the money gets delivered..... :P

You would think the Fire Department Union would have a better way of collecting money. Asking someone to tape a check to the front door is ridiculous. Even more ridiculous is someone actually taping a check to the door.

Seem to think we pay enough taxes to support the fire fighters.

I agree with Christie. Gomer you are tool! It is people like you who live to complain and make fun of others who have a good heart. Christie, keep the faith in people!

All the fire departments should stop soliciting money by phone calls. And asking people to tape the check to the day is ridiculous. Kingsville sends out mail solicitations. That is the only way that is appropriate.

Obviously I meant "tape the check to the door". Just had a Rick Perry moment!

If you really want to donate to that fire company, why not put your check in an envelope and mail it to the fire station, or drop it off. seems like a safer way to make a donation.

My son in law works at Fullerton and was at my house for dinner when I got the call so I told them he'd deliver it on his next shift. The next day they called back and said it would be easier to just tape it to the door, which I thought was ridiculous since he could just take it himself!

This money does not go to your local fire department. The donations are solicted by a company contracted by the BCPFF Local 1311, the union. The union uses the money for their smoke detector program, fire victims assistence program, and various fire prevention programs. This company has been known to misrepresent itself over the years as your local fire department. The method of taping checks to the door is one way they accept donations, personally I would never do this and it is a " shady" practice and dangerous to leave your information taped to the door. With that being said the money does go to worthwhile cause at the end of the day, just know what and who you are donating too as it becomes confusing with the manner in which they solict.

I echo what Will has said in his comments. The "Local” (as many call it) firefighters Union does use an agency to solicit by phone. They have been known over the years to not be 100% forthcoming when they call; I know, they've called me and have been evasive when I asked questions. They are though, doing their job.
That being said; the money does go to good causes and projects provided by "The Local" throughout Baltimore County, but may not necessarily go to your specific community. I would caution citizens about leaving a check with not only your personal information, but also your account and bank information on your door. Identity theft is all over the news these days. Leaving it out is just not a good practice. I encourage citizens to keep donating; however I would suggest they send their checks to either the Union Hall directly (address available on the internet) after the phone solicitations or to learn who their local volunteer fire station is and send directly to them as well. Most Volunteer stations send direct mail requests several times a year. A stamp or 2 is much cheaper than recovering from identity theft.

Stay safe.

I just got home phone for the first time since I came to the States in 2005. Sadly, 90% of the calls I receive are for donations to the police, firefighters, US troops,...etc. People who call me know my full name, home address, phone numbers, and surprisingly they know my salary!!! When I google the names of these not-for-profit associations, I find many people agree that they are scams. I have no clue how could people get all my private information that easily!!!!

I just received a call from someone soliciting a donation for Baltimore County Fire Departments, and as before I requested they put me on their do-not-call list. For the last 2 years I have requested my number be taken of their lists, and this only increases their calls and demands. The call is always from an obnoxious young man who refuses to acknowledge I will only contribute through the mail. In addition, they will not stop talking and end the call at my polite request. I always end up hanging up on them after repeatedly and politely requesting they put me on their do-not-call list. Very disturbing. Is there a number I may call to lodge an official complaint? Thanks