Santa Cruz fire chief warns public of fire extinguisher scam

A fire extinguisher scam is making its way around the city of Santa Cruz.

Santa Cruz fire chief, Jason Hajduk said the scammers are going to local businesses presenting themselves as a fire extinguisher service who tell business owners their fire extinguishers need to be serviced.

“They claim they are with State Fire, misleading businesses into thinking they represent the Fire Department. They may even be in uniform and have a marked vehicle. Often they say they were sent by the Fire Department to service their fire extinguishers or fire protection systems.” said Chief Hajduk.

It’s been reported that the scammers always want payments in cash, which is something SCFD said they do not do.

The Santa Cruz Fire Department does not send any fire extinguisher servicing companies to local businesses. The fire department said business owners must obtain these services on their own.

“We encourage businesses to research any company before using their service,” Chief Hajduk said.

If confronted with this situation, ask for a department ID, don’t pay cash, refuse service and call the Santa Cruz Fire Department Community Risk Reduction at 831-420-5284.