Area residents have reported to Chiefland Police that someone has been calling and asking for funds to help raise money for the Chiefland Police Department and the Levy County Sheriff's Office.

The problem? Neither department is raising money, said Chiefland Police Chief Robert Douglas Tuesday.

"We haven't asked anybody for money," Douglas said. "This group does not represent us."

Douglas said the Chiefland Police Departnent has known about the potential scam since Monday, with one resident even providing the phone number (904) 265-9643, which is a Jacksonville area code. The person asking for money claims to be from the Fraternal Order of Police.

The person calling is asking for bank account numbers, which Douglas said immediately raised suspicions.

"If you get that call, its not from us, and I suggest they don't give money," Douglas said.

Instead Douglas has recommended that affected people call the Chiefland Police Department at (352) 493-6777.