Crime & Safety
Hammond and Hobart Officials Warn of Fraudulent Fire Fund Solicitation
Local officials in Hammond and Hobart, Indiana, warn residents about fraudulent groups posing as firefighters to solicit donations. Avoid these scams.
By Paige Sullivan · 2026-09-02T19:38:24.834Z
Hammond, Indiana – Local officials are warning residents to remain vigilant against fraudulent organizations that are soliciting donations by falsely posing as local fire departments. Both the Hammond Firefighters Local 556 and the Hobart Fire Department have issued a public notice to inform the community about ongoing solicitation efforts that are not affiliated with legitimate first responders.
According to the Hammond Firefighters Local 556 and the Hobart Fire Department, scammers are allegedly using official sounding names, such as the Fire Safety Foundation, to deceive residents into providing financial support. The departments provided an image of a solicitation letter as a prime example of the deceptive materials being circulated in the area to help citizens identify and avoid these fraudulent requests.
Residents are encouraged to verify the authenticity of any charity or foundation before making a donation. Authorities suggest that legitimate local departments will not use high pressure tactics or outside organizations to solicit funds in this manner. Anyone who receives a suspicious letter or solicitation is advised to exercise caution and avoid sharing personal or financial information with these groups.
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