A warning has been issued in Smithville regarding scammers posing as legitimate fundraising accounts to take advantage of relief efforts for businesses impacted by a recent fire. The Smithville Area Chamber of Commerce has identified fraudulent Venmo accounts claiming to collect donations for businesses affected by the March 30 strip mall fire. The only verified Venmo account connected to relief efforts is @smithvillechamber, and any other account requesting donations is not affiliated with the chamber or the Smithville Kiwanis Disaster Relief Fund. The warning follows a fire that destroyed multiple businesses in a strip mall along U.S. Highway 169, with fire officials reporting that the blaze started as a kitchen fire and quickly escalated. Crews rescued at least one employee from inside the building, and no serious injuries were reported.
