NORTH SMITHFIELD – North Smithfield Hearth & Rescue Service is warning native enterprise homeowners of an ongoing rip-off the place people falsely declare to characterize the native fireplace division in effort to promote fireplace security tools.
In accordance with Hearth Chief David Chartier, enterprise homeowners are advised that an inspection is scheduled to happen quickly and that they have to buy three fireplace extinguishers and three smoke detectors. Victims are advised that the objects are going to be shipped by way of FedEx, and that they have to make three separate funds utilizing Bitcoin as a way to “move the inspection.”
“It is a rip-off,” famous Chartier. “Hearth prevention bureaus in Rhode Island by no means promote fireplace security tools.”
The warning comes after one native enterprise proprietor fell sufferer to the rip-off over Memorial Day weekend.
Chartier provided the next data and tricks to locals to assist keep away from such scams:
- No fireplace division will demand cost by way of cryptocurrency.
- Hearth security tools just isn’t bought straight via native fireplace departments.
- Respectable inspections are all the time scheduled via official communication and embrace correct identification.
If you’re contacted with the same request:
- Don’t ship any cash or present private data.
- Report the incident instantly to your native police division.
- For any questions or issues, contact your native fireplace division and communicate straight with the fireplace marshal.
“Keep vigilant and assist unfold the phrase to guard our group,” Chartier mentioned.
