EMMITSBURG, Md. – The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) has issued a warning about a fraudulent website, fireheros.org, that is impersonating its official site, www.firehero.org, to solicit cryptocurrency donations under false pretenses. The unauthorized site, identified as a phishing and brand impersonation scheme, copies NFFF’s name, logo, and copyrighted content to deceive supporters, threatening the organization’s mission to honor America’s fallen firefighters and their families.
The NFFF, a nonprofit established by Congress in 1992 to support fallen firefighters’ families and reduce line-of-duty deaths, discovered the scam recently and has taken swift action. “We have submitted a formal request to the domain host to take immediate action to suspend or remove this fraudulent website,” the NFFF stated, emphasizing that protecting its mission and supporters’ trust is its top priority. The foundation is urging the public to report suspicious activity to firehero@firehero.org.
The fraudulent site, fireheros.org, mimics the NFFF’s official website, www.firehero.org, to exploit the generosity of those wishing to support firefighters’ families. This scam follows a pattern of fraudulent activities targeting the NFFF, including previous phone solicitation scams in areas like Orange County, California, in 2024. The NFFF reiterated that it does not solicit donations by phone or employ outside companies for fundraising, a policy it has maintained consistently.
To ensure secure donations, the NFFF provided clear guidance: “If you wish to support our mission, you can make a secure donation: By mail – Please complete the information on the donation form and return it to: National Fallen Firefighters Foundation P.O. Drawer 498 Emmitsburg, MD 21727 or E-mail to development@firehero.org. By phone at (301) 447?1365. Directly through our official website: www.firehero.org/donate.” The foundation emphasized that only these channels are legitimate for contributions.
The NFFF, headquartered in Emmitsburg, Maryland, relies on private donations to fund programs like the Fire Hero Family Network, scholarships for firefighters’ families, and the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend, held annually to honor those who died in the line of duty. The fraudulent website undermines these efforts by diverting potential support. The NFFF has previously warned about charity scams, advising donors to verify organizations through Charity Navigator, which has awarded the NFFF a four-star rating for financial health and transparency.
Supporters are encouraged to be vigilant, as phishing scams often exploit trusted brands during times of heightened public generosity, such as after wildfires or memorial events. The NFFF’s official site, www.firehero.org, is the only authorized platform for online donations, and any site using “fireheros.org” or similar domains should be reported immediately. The foundation’s proactive response, including its request to suspend the fraudulent site, aims to protect donors and maintain the integrity of its mission.
The NFFF’s programs, supported by the Department of Justice’s Bureau of Justice Assistance and private donors, provide critical resources to firefighters’ families and promote fire safety nationwide. As the foundation works to resolve this scam, it urges the public to verify donation requests and report suspicious activity to prevent further exploitation of its mission to honor fallen heroes.
