The Rockville Volunteer Fire Department was lately the sufferer of scammers who apparently intercepted the switch of funds whereas the purchase of two new ambulances was underway.
Who would steal from volunteers who dedicate their time to saving lives?
That’s what Eric Bernard, president of the Rockville Fire Department, wish to know. So would the Montgomery County Police, the FBI and the United States Secret Service.
The Rockville Volunteer Fire Department was lately the sufferer of scammers who apparently intercepted the switch of funds whereas the purchase of two new ambulances was underway — and managed to siphon off $220,000.
Bernard explains the investigation remains to be underway however the issue occurred someplace in the course of the purchase course of.
Bernard mentioned they have been working with a longtime vendor however received spoofed sooner or later throughout e mail communications and in-person financial institution work concerning wiring directions for the down fee, and got a “dangerous quantity to ship the cash to.” All they know now, he mentioned, is that somebody — apparently in London — is out of the blue flush with money.
Bernard mentioned there was no indication of an issue till every week after the purchase course of when the seller contacted the RVFD to ask in the event that they wished to finish the transaction. Bernard mentioned the division was shocked, telling the seller they thought the purchase had been accomplished.
One small shiny spot, Bernard mentioned, was that they knew what financial institution it went to, and one of many banks was capable of get better $100,000. The remaining $150,000 has but to be recovered.
Bernard mentioned regardless of the present loss, the division goes forward with a purchase of recent autos. “We don’t need a delay,” he mentioned, explaining that whereas the ambulance service focuses on racing sufferers to security, buying specialised ambulance tools isn’t a speedy course of.
“These models that we have been paying for final week aren’t going to be in service for one more two years. That’s how lengthy it takes to acquire all of the tools and put these models collectively,” Bernard mentioned.
The whole price of the 2 models is “nicely over $700,000,” however Bernard mentioned the division is ready to proceed with the down fee to maintain the purchase course of on observe.
Still, he mentioned, it’s a bit stunning: “Can you think about preying upon a volunteer fireplace division shopping for an ambulance for the general public? It’s loopy.”
Bernard mentioned the group response to the information has been heartwarming.
“We’ve had lots of people saying, ‘hey, can we donate?’ … Of course! You can at all times donate to the Rockville Volunteer Fire Department,” he mentioned.
But whereas the division is at all times grateful for donations, Bernard mentioned, watch out for anybody calling claiming that they’re with the RVFD amassing donations — they don’t solicit donations by telephone.
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