CONSUMER ALERT: AG WARNS AGAINST CONTRIBUTING TO MAINE VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTERS FUND, INC.

November 6, 2001

NOVEMBER 6, 2001

CONTACT: James Mckenna, Assistant Attorney General 207-626-8800

Attorney General Steven Rowe today asked Mainers to beware of telemarketers who say they are raising money for the Maine Volunteer Firefighters Fund ("the Fund"). Officials from the two statewide firefighters organizations say the Fund has no connection to Maine firefighters. The Fund is based in Florida.

Attorney General Rowe has received reports that the callers even claim that they got the consumers' names from the AG's Office or that the AG's Office was otherwise involved in the organization. "That is blatantly false," said Rowe.

Rowe said, "The tragic events of September 11 have made us all appreciate our firefighters more than ever. The way to express that appreciation is by thanking your local fire department in a way you deem appropriate, not by giving your credit card number to an out-of-state telemarketer."

"In general, people should recognize that fundraising is a profitable business. The telemarketer may keep seventy or eighty cents of every dollar you think you are contributing to a cause. It is almost always best to contribute directly to causes you support rather than through third parties," said Rowe.

Anyone who suspects a deceptive solicitation should get as much information as possible from the caller and notify the AG's Office at 626-8800.