The Rockville Volunteer Fire Department (RVFD) revealed a scam cost the department more than $200,000 that was meant to be a down payment for new ambulances.
About half of what was stolen has been recovered, according to a statement from the department on May 9.
“In late April, the Rockville Volunteer Fire Department was targeted by cyber criminals,” the statement reads. “While impersonating a vendor RVFD has been working with, these criminals stole over $200,000 that was meant to be a down payment for the purchase of two new ambulances that will be used to better serve the Rockville community.”
RVFD reported the scam to Montgomery County Police, the U.S. Secret Service, and the FBI. The department updated partners within county government.
About half of the money was recovered due to action from the fire department’s bank, and RVFD is working with law enforcement and the bank to continue the recovery process.
The department is still in “a strong financial position” to complete the purchase of the two new ambulances and to continue normal operations, according to the statement. And, RVFD is implementing more safeguards “to ensure that we remain at the forefront of fighting identity theft and preventing any further cyber crime attacks.”
The fire department created a fund to recoup the funds to buy the ambulances.
