Further to yesterday's rant, I have been contacted by the Rural Firies and they did advise my correct name and PIN number - it just took longer than they anticipated. So, Yes, (07) 5480 1369 IS an RFBoQ internal phone number from which they make calls for donations. The mix-up (and my consequent rant) was caused by inaccurate data regarding my mobile number being entered against someone else's name and PIN. Apologies Firies!

Bob, you got sucked in by a criminal organisation. First of all, we are a regular supporter of the Rural Fire Brigade and we have a PIN number. I received a call from (07) 5480 1369 yesterday afternoon and the caller identified herself as the RFB. I asked her to quote my PIN number and she gave me an incorrect six digit PIN AND a wrong surname. She asked for my real name -which I refused- I asked her how she got my mobile number (The RFB call our home phone) and she said they "bought it from a number broker". She apologised and asked if I would speak to her supervisor to sort out the issue. I asked the "supervisor" to quote all the detail they had and yes, they had my correct home address, but nothing else. She PUMPED and PUMPED me for my details -which I refused- and said to her; if you know my address, why don't you search your database for that address? She agreed and said she would call back on the registered phone number. Guess what -she never called back. BEWARE!.

Rang and just hung up when I answered.

I totally agree with you Sandman, I received a call from the fire brigade today, on my land line and now just got one on my mobile. Didn't realise they were scammers. Worst off I did donate to them last year. O well live and learn.

Qld rural fire brigade spam. call more than once a day every day for months on end.

Probably the tenth call from this number in the past year. Usually hangs up the moment I answer the call.

Rural Fire Brigade. trying to raise funds.

Hi, Bob, I agree entirely with your rant. We have been targeted by this number several times. Please contact Rural Fire Brigade directly and ask them for a PIN number, so that if you are asked by this (or another phone number) for a donation, you must ask for your PIN number and if the caller doesn't know it, you KNOW it is a scam. If you DO donate (as we do) that PIN number is complete peace of mind.

ALL charities should implement this!

fwits

Our rural fire chief said it is better to donate to your local fire brigade as this is state and the money may not be shared where you would wish it to be. I donate to local bush fire not to some one on a phone.

(07) 5480 1369 called and immediately hung up when my wife answered. Whats going on

bush firies

I totally agree with what you say, but this isn't about RFBAQ, it's about the low life that hang off legitimate charities for their own gain. This scam has been going on for five years, I wonder why no one has done something about. Ha sit been reported to Scamwatch?

Rings me every couple of months. Sad little Crettons who just hang up when you answer, who would no doubt expect the Fire Brigade to attend to their needs if they called. It's a shameful indictment on our govt that they don't look after essential services first, instead of the UN needs.But I guess that wouldn't elicit photo opportunities. Check the link below


http://www.rfbaq.org/index.php?tgtPage=contact&page_id=82

If they identified themselves that would be OK. But to simply hangup, that is rude.

Called agn today rang 6 times before I decided to pick up then they promptly hungup its blocked now!!

RFBAQ have warned about scammers calling from this number. If you want to donate, do it via their official website only.

http://www.rfbaq.org/index.php?tgtPage=news&id=view,185

Bob, you are not quite right! They are a private enterprise purporting to collect on behalf of which ever 'charity' is in their calling register. The calling company keeps 80% to 90% of what ever you foolishly 'donated' and they will pass on only the bearest of crumbs to the 'charity' which is enough to keep the scam 'legal' for get around do not call registers.

telemarketers

falsely collecting money.