Cal Fire-Riverside County Warns Business Owners of 'Phony Fire Inspectors'

Cal Fire-Riverside County officials warned business owners Tuesday Sept. 17 to be aware of phony fire inspectors who have targeted businesses in Riverside County.

Here's more from the Cal Fire announcement:

During these challenging economic times, predators posing as "fire inspectors" take advantage and prey upon unsuspecting business owners.

Fire departments in California are indicating an increase of both individuals and fire protection companies posing in "official-looking" clothing and performing 
questionable "inspections" in local businesses.

These individuals will typically enter businesses suggesting they represent the fire  department  and request to look  at or inspect their fire protection systems. Once granted access by the business owner and the "inspection" is completed, the owner is left with an invoice to pay for their "inspection."

Only uniformed Riverside County Fire Department personnel are authorized to conduct business inspections, according to Cal Fire.

"Proprietors and other key employees should refrain from permitting anyone to inspect fire sprinkler systems, fire extinguishers, kitchen hood fire extinguishing systems, fire alarm systems or any other fire protection devices unless contractual agreements are in place and specific services or inspections have been requested by the business," Cal Fire-Riverside County officials advised.

Asked for specific information about when and where the scam was last reported in Riverside County, a Cal Fire spokeswoman said she was waiting for details.

Update 12:01 p.m. 

"We became aware in early September of 2013," Melody Hendrickson of Cal Fire-Riverside County said. "Some of the inspections occurred in June of 2013. Three business that we are aware of. All located in the unincorporated area surrounding Corona, CA. One of those businesses paid $140."

Cal Fire cautioned business owners to be aware of the following before securing fire protection system services:

1. Is the technician clearly identifiable; including a business card? Refrain from allowing anyone to enter your business or grant access to your fire protection system if you are unsure.

2. Request to view the company’s current business license permit, a contractor's C-16 (fire sprinkler/fixed protection systems) or C-10 (fire alarms) license. You can also check the validity of their license by logging on to http://cslb.ca.gov.

3. NEVER pay for services in cash! Make sure you obtain an estimate for any required services. Keep copies of all invoices and pay documents.

4. Insist on keeping all replaced or changed parts and a signed invoice. If in doubt, you have the right to refuse service  in order to verify the legitimacy of the "inspection services." If needed, contact the Riverside County Fire Department Fire Protection Planning for assistance to verify legitimacy and qualifications of a fire inspector that comes to your business.

For more information, or to report a possible phony inspector, call (951) 955-4777.