Authorities warn of fire inspector scam

Authorities are urging residents to be wary of people claiming to be fire inspectors. Cities surrounding Burbank are seeing an increase in scam artists targeting businesses in Los Angeles County and throughout the state.

Los Angeles County District Atty. Steve Cooley has issued a consumer alert, warning businesses and their employees of people who claim to be inspecting fire extinguishers, smoke alarms, or sprinkler systems. Cooley said the “inspectors” trick employees into signing documents that are used to bill the business owner.

Authorities noted that local fire departments, only, conduct such inspections.

Those who suspect suspicious activity were urged to contact local law enforcement, fire departments, or the Los Angeles County Fire Department’s Public Affairs Section at (323) 881-2411.

The latest consumer alert is available on the Los Angeles District Attorney’s website at: https://da.lacounty.gov/consumeralert.

In Burbank, residents were urged to contact the Police Department directly at (818) 238-3000.

-- Maria Hsin, Times Community News

Twitter: @mariahsin