Fire marshals across the state are putting out a warning after reports of calls in several communities from scammers pretending to be with the department.
The scam starts when they call and say they have to come check your carbon monoxide detector or else you will receive a violation. So far calls have been reported in East Hartford and Windsor, so departments across the region want residents to be aware.
“We’re in the business to help people and we’ll be more than happy to come out, but we’re not threatening people,” Glastonbury Fire Chief Michael Thurs said.
Glastonbury posted the warning on social media and the town’s website in an effort to make sure residents do not fall for it.
“It’s a sick thing to do when you really think about it,” resident Robert Surface said. “You’re pretending to be somebody who is an authority figure and you’re preying on people who rely on them.”
Fire departments want to make sure everyone is aware they do not partner with outside vendors. They will come check your detectors, but only if you call them.
Due to the fact that the scammers are asking to get into your home, police have reason to believe they are local. If you receive one of these calls, they ask you get as much information as possible and then report it.
