Fountain Inn Fire Department warns community of unauthorized apparel scam
September 21, 2026
Local fire officials are urging Upstate residents to stay vigilant following the circulation of fraudulent online merchandise campaigns falsely claiming to support local first responders.
The Fountain Inn Fire Department issued a public advisory cautioning community members against buying apparel from an unauthorized third-party vendor promoting departmental shirts, hoodies, and mugs.
The scam involves online promotions offering “exclusive” custom gear featuring the department’s name, Maltese cross, and insignia, often marketed under the guise of showing community pride or supporting local firefighters. The solicitations encourage prospective buyers to place orders before limited-time windows close.
Department officials confirmed that the company behind the promotions has no affiliation with the Fountain Inn Fire Department and described the sales campaign as an outright scam. Residents are advised not to click promotional purchase links or submit payment information.
Similar fraudulent retail schemes frequently target local public safety agencies, using social media advertisements and automatically generated designs to capitalize on community support for municipal services.
Residents seeking official updates or looking to verify department fundraisers are encouraged to follow the official Fountain Inn Fire Department Facebook page or contact the department directly before purchasing commemorative merchandise online.
