Watsonville Fire Department warns of man calling businesses asking for donations

WATSONVILLE, Calif. (KION) The Watsonville Fire Department is reminding residents that firefighters and staff will not ask for payment when visiting or calling businesses after a report of someone calling businesses asking for donations.

The department said a business owner told staff that a man was calling local business asking for donations. He apparently told them it would be used for fire prevention marketing materials for Watsonville Fire and asked for a $250 to $500 donation via credit card. The person also claimed that he was working with Chief Rudy Lopez.

The business owner told the department that the person was not pushy and sounded professional, but the department said it has not contracted with a company or person to make those calls or requests on its behalf.

The department said firefighters and staff will not ask for payment when visiting or calling businesses. If they are at the business for an inspection, they will give a copy of the inspection report and the finance department will send an invoice. The department said firefighters and staff will not demand payment and will decline money to pay for the inspection.

If someone claims to be with Watsonville Fire, you can call the department at 831-768-3200 or 831-471-1170 to verify the authenticity.