From the Police Desk – Fraud Bureau Warns of Fire Inspection Scam

Investigators from the Peel Police Fraud Bureau would like to make the public aware of a “door –to- door scam” involving persons posing as home fire inspectors from private companies.

Reports have been made to police advising that letters have come to residents homes which

cite specific fire regulations related to the installation of Carbon Monoxide Alarms/ Smoke Alarms.  These letters give the impression that the home owner must schedule a mandatory inspection to prove compliance to these regulations, or risk charges under the Fire Protection and Prevention Act.

Police are concerned that once the inspection takes place, the homeowner will be told they are not in compliance and are required to purchase carbon monoxide alarms, which the inspector will have on hand.

Peel Regional Police would like to remind people that although Carbon Monoxide Alarms and Smoke Alarms are required by law in homes; the only persons with authority to do any kind of fire related home inspection on your home is your local fire department.   The Fire department will do door- to- door home inspections during their “Home Safe Home” campaign and will only enter your home upon invitation.  Outside of a campaign the fire department will do inspections based on an individual homeowner’s request or based on a complaint. The fire department representatives will attend your home in full uniform, with identification, driving a fully marked fire vehicle.

The Office of the Fire Marshal and Emergency Management (OFMEM) is a part of the Ontario government’s Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services.

“OFMEM does not conduct home inspections nor does it support or have any affiliation with any third party private inspection companies.Municipal fire departments may, from time to time, visit homes in their communities as part of public education and awareness.  OFMEM fully supports public education programs.  It is important for Ontarians to know that when these visits occur, fire officials will be clearly identified by their uniforms, badges and fire service vehicles.  They will never attempt to sell homeowners safety equipment and allowing entry into your home is always completely voluntary,’ said Jim Jessop, Ontario Fire Marshal and Chief,  Emergency Management.

How to protect yourself from this type of scam:

• Be wary of persons soliciting your home door-to- door or allowing a stranger inside your home.
• Ask for photo ID and get the name of the person and business
• Do not share any personal information.
• Remember the Fire department does not send third party companies door-to- door on their behalf to do inspections.
• Contact the Ministry of Consumer and business services to find out if a business is registered.
• Check that the information that you are being provided is true.

To learn more about this type of scam and other fraud scams currently affecting Canadians. Please visit the Canadian Anti- fraud centre website at www.antifraudcentre.ca

If you have been victim of a Fraud, or if you have information regarding these frauds, contact the Fraud Bureau at (905) 453-2121, ext. 3335. Information can also be left anonymously by calling Peel Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), by visiting their website at www.peelcrimestoppers.ca, or by texting “PEEL”, followed by your tip, to CRIMES (274637).