Scam Alert: District Attorney Warns of Phony Fire Inspectors

The office of District Attorney Steve Cooley released a press statement advising business owners and employees to watch out for individuals posing as fire inspectors.

According to the consumer alert released today, businesses throughout Los Angeles County and across the state have been targeted by scams where the imposters wear “official-looking blue shirts and pants” and claim to “inspect the fire extinguishers, smoke alarms or sprinkler systems.”

They will typically ask the employee to sign a form authorizing the inspection.

The scam artists will then follow up with a bill weeks or months later for “work done” or “services rendered.”

The D.A.’s office says that local fire department officials do conduct annual inspections, but they do not charge fees.

The office advises businesses to require the individual to present government-issued identification and a business card before they allow any inspector to enter their business. Local fire department officials will have official badges and uniforms indicating which department they work for.

Anyone who suspects suspicious activity or would like more information, can call Los Angeles County Fire Department’s Public Affairs Section at (323) 881-2411