Fraudulent Fire Investigators Targeting Pasadena Businesses

Businesses in Pasadena and across the state have been targeted by scam artists who wear official-looking blue shirts and pants and claim they are there to “inspect” the fire extinguishers, smoke alarms, or sprinkler systems. They ask an unsuspecting employee to sign a form authorizing the inspection. Weeks or months later, a bill comes to the business’s owner for “work done” or “services rendered.” The bill, sometimes for an annual inspection appears to have been signed by an employee, but occasionally is fraudulently signed once a responsible party is identified (i.e. manager, supervisor, lead person).

The Pasadena Fire Department wants area businesses to know that while local fire department officials do conduct such inspections, the bill for the inspection comes from the City of Pasadena and not a private billing company. These inspections are conducted annually or bi-annually based on the occupancy. Before allowing any inspector to enter your business, require the individual to present government-issued identification. Pasadena Fire Department inspectors and firefighters all wear badges, and their uniforms will have a Pasadena Fire Department patch. Additionally, inspectors will be driving official Pasadena Fire Department vehicles with government license plates or an emergency vehicle.

If you suspect suspicious activity, or have been a victim of the fraudulent activity, contact the Pasadena Police Department at (626) 744-4241 or the Pasadena Fire Department at (626) 744-7184.