Be aware of fire inspection scam

A fire inspection scam is reportedly targeting business countywide, Poway city officials warned in a press release Friday. Businesses should be aware of individuals who falsely represent themselves as a fire inspector and attempt to conduct an unsolicited inspection of the business.

ut-logo (1)According to Poway Fire Division Chief Jon Canavan, the scammers arrive at businesses saying they are from or sent by the fire department to perform a fire inspection. The scammer then conducts a visual inspection of the business and requests payment for the inspection and any violations that they point out. Canavan said payment up to hundreds of dollars may be requested onsite or by invoice several days later. In some cases, he said, they have asked for a key to the business for follow-up inspections.

Canavan said City of Poway fire inspections are conducted by city personnel with fire department uniforms. “City employees are clearly identifiable by city logos on uniforms, city badges and identification cards,” he said. “However, the scammers often wear uniforms that closely resemble official fire inspectors.”

During an official fire inspection, Canavan said inspectors will present identification and provide written documentation of any violations or corrections. “Corrections may require the services of a state-licensed contractor but the city will never require a specific contractor,” he said. “Furthermore, inspection fees are never collected onsite.”

If you believe that a fire inspection is not being conducted by official personnel, he said, do not hesitate to contact the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department at 858-565-5200.