Phone calls received asking for donations for a burn camp in Asheville are not coming from the Columbus Fire Department.

Columbus Town Manager Jonathan Kanipe said the town has received 40-50 phone calls from residents telling them that people are calling them “on behalf of the Columbus Fire Department” for burn victims and asking for money.
“This is absolutely untrue, and Chief Bobby Arledge verified earlier today that the Department is in no way affiliated with anyone making these phone calls,” Kanipe said.

Arledge said the scammers are apparently telling people they are with the Columbus Fire Department and are soliciting money for a burn camp in Asheville.

“The Columbus Fire Department is not working with the Asheville Fire Dept to raise any money. Please do not give any money or information to these people. The number they are using is an Asheville number 828-348-2178 or it could change. If you call the number back it says the number has been disconnected. I just wanted to inform everyone of this scam,” Arledge said in an email.

Arledge said those who have received the phone calls are free to contact him at 828-894-3667 with additional questions.