by Timothy Rutt

The Los Angeles County District Attorney has issued a consumer alert that there are scam artists claiming to be fire inspectors making a play in the area.

The scam is, according to Los Angeles County District Attorney Steve Cooley, is that the phony "inspectors" trick employees into signing documents that are used to bill the business owner.  Actual fire inspections are conducted by local fire departments, which do not charge fees, Cooley noted.

The District Attorney, in a Consumer Alert, advised businesses and their employees to be on the lookout for the phony inspectors who claim to be inspecting fire extinguishers, smoke alarms or sprinkle systems. 

Those who suspect suspicious activity were urged to contact local law enforcement or fire departments, or the Los Angeles County Fire Department’s Public Affairs Section at (323) 881-2411.