Angelenos, if you receive a letter claiming that your home is slated for inspection by Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) personnel, feel free to shred, recycle or save it to show the police. The letter is part of a scam recently discovered by the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD).
On Wednesday a Pacoima resident received said letter, which stated that his home was scheduled to be inspected by the LAFD for hazardous materials, mold, exit ways and fire alarm systems. The scam artists printed the bogus letter on City of Los Angeles black letterhead stationary and identified James K. Hahn as L.A. mayor and was “signed” by William Bamattre, former fire chief.
Homeowners should call 911 if visited by persons claiming to be LAFD personnel and seeking to perform inspection. The LAPD is currently investigating the fraudulent activities. Per a LAPD release, the elderly and vulnerable citizens are typically the targets of this type of sham, which usually results in burglary and other crimes.
Anyone with information regarding the scam should call Foothill Area Burglary Detectives at 818-834-3115. If calling during non-business hours or on the weekend, tipsters should dial 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (1-877-527-3247). Anonymous tipsters should call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (1-800-222-8477), text tip to 274637 (all text messages should begin with the letters “LAPD”) or visit the LAPD website, click on “WebTips” and follow the prompts.
