The Kern County Fire Department is warning business owners about con artists posing as fake business inspectors, and then taking money.
Firefighters say the person claims they work for the fire department and will ask to service your fire extinguisher, alarm system, or sprinkler system. Sometimes the person will send you a phony bill. County firefighters say there are steps you can take to protect yourself.
"When somebody approaches them, number one, have them identify themselves. Tell them where they are from, what company that they're from and then maybe get a name and a phone number. Also, make sure they give them their certificate of registration or business license," said Engineer Anthony Romero.
On top of verifying who is coming into your business, firefighters also recommend getting a second opinion. The fire department says many times these people look professional and will use scare tactics. The inspector may tell you that your business will be shut down if you don't allow them inside.
"If it's an extinguisher, they call it a certificate of registration, this is the license that they are supposed to have all the time. Everybody who comes in, if they can't provide this card, they shouldn't be letting them do a service," continued Romero.
The Kern County Fire Department would like to give business owners the ability to verify the license and status of a business technician. There are several ways you can do that.
1. Contact your local Better Business Bureau at www.bbb.org or (661)322-2074 to verify the reviews of a particular business.
2. Contact your local California State License Board at www.cslb.ca.gov or 1(800)-321-CSLB(2752) and verify a license, work comp, and bonds.
3. Go to the California State Fire Marshal website at www.osfm.ca.gov or call (916)-445-8376. Click on license and training and then click on Certificate of Registration or Fire Extinguisher Companies and owners may verify all fire extinguisher companies and technicians.
4. Try not to pay in cash, use other forms of payment. It is an easier way to track. And, always get receipts.
Firefighters say you should also get a second opinion and verify who is coming into your business. If you have concerns or feel you are being intimidated, contact the Kern County Fire Department's Fire Prevention Unit at (661)391-7080 or if problems escalate call 911.
