A scammer went around to Hoboken businesses saying they had to pay for a fire extinguisher, police confirmed.
HOBOKEN, NJ — A scammer went around to Hoboken businesses this week demanding that they pay for a new fire extinguisher, police confirmed.
Now, officials are warning business owners not to fall for the ruse.
After a reader told Patch about the scam, Hoboken public safety spokeswoman Marci Rubin confirmed on Tuesday that at least two businesses were approached.
Rubin said that over the last few days, “An individual impersonating a fire inspector entered local businesses and requested money for new fire extinguishers, which were not provided.”
She noted, “The individual, believed to be in his 50s, was wearing all black. Hoboken Fire inspectors will always be in full uniform.”
She said the Fire Prevention Bureau will never request, or accept, payment for an inspection.
“The safety of our residents is the number one priority, and for the Hoboken Fire Department, that goes beyond fire safety” said Fire Marshal Andrew Frey, in a statement. “We are encouraging all residents and business owners to be aware, stay alert, to prevent fraud, along with fire.”
People who are approached are being told to ask for official identification. You can also contact the Hoboken Fire Department to verify the
ID at (201) 420-2004. Please also report the incident to the Hoboken Police Department at (201) 420-2100, officials said.
Scams with someone impersonating a contractor or home inspector are common in North Jersey, but this one was different. READ MORE: Scam Heats Up In Warmer Weather, Say Police In NJ Town