The Tempe Fire Medical Rescue Department is warning residents of people, who contend to represent a company named Arizona Fire & Safety. According to the Department, the people are gaining information about residents and their homes by falsely claiming a partnership with the Tempe Fire Medical Rescue Department.
“There is no agreement with this company, or others similar, to gather information on behalf of the Tempe Fire Medical Rescue Department; residents should be cautious and contact the police,” said Fire Chief Greg Ruiz.
How the scam works:
Residents are first contacted via printed notices left at Tempe residences informing them that an item, such as a package, is being held for them. There is a phone number on the notice to call. Also, at the bottom of the notice is the wording “An ad promotion of Fire Safety Products for home industry.”
After the resident calls the number, a purported representative will attempt to schedule an appointment for an in-home inspection. During the discussion, residents have been offered a free fire extinguisher for their participation with the belief it was donated by the fire department.
The representative also informs the resident the company will provide the Tempe fire department with the information about the occupants in the residence, so the fire department will know where they sleep in case of an emergency.
The Tempe Police Department is recommending that residents contact police if they should receive a suspicious notice or are contacted by a person or company asking for any personal and private information.