At least one bay area business has been targeted by a company going by the name of “Fire Systems Inspections of USA.” This outfit has recently been victimizing businesses throughout California. The method used recently was a male and female “inspectors” who entered a business, claiming they were there to conduct a fire inspection or check the fire or sprinkler system. Both persons were wearing some type of uniform and claimed to be conducting a fire inspection on behalf of the City. The business subsequently received an invoice in the mail from the company in the amount of $139.79.

Foster City Police and Fire Departments advise all businesses to be aware of this scam and to call the Police Department immediately if fake “inspectors” enter your place of business, attempting to conduct fire inspections on behalf of the City. Business owners should be aware that official inspectors always arrive in an official marked vehicle (fire apparatus), not a private, unmarked car. Foster City Police and Fire Officers wear badges on the left chest. Business owners should always ask inspectors for identification and official inspectors will present it willingly; official inspectors will conduct an inspection and leave the business owner with a written copy of the findings on an official form with the “Foster City Fire Department” printed on the form. Following an official inspection, each business will receive one invoice from the City for said inspection. Each visit from the phony company generates three separate invoices. Businesses are advised NOT to pay these invoices. Business owners can contact the Foster City Fire Department to verify the authenticity of an official Fire Department invoice.

Similar incidents have happened recently in Tracy, Lathrop-Manteca and many cities in Central and Southern California. Other incidents have included phony inspectors entering businesses and forging the managers’ signature on the invoices. In Redondo Beach, CA a phony inspector was working on an alarm system with no permits to do so. The phony inspector disappeared after being told that a fire department plan checker was coming to investigate. In Victorville, CA, the phony inspectors entered a business and told the representative that they were there to inspect the sprinkler system. However, the phony inspectors seemed to be more interested in the security system. The recent incident has been reported to the State Fire Marshal’s Office who is investigating the numerous reports about this false company.

If you are a business and receive a false invoice (not from the city address which is 610 Foster City Blvd.) you should immediately file a police report. If you are able, discretely call police while the phony inspectors are in your business. For more information, please contact the Foster City Fire Department at 650 286 3350.