Crime & Safety

Marin-Sonoma Scam Alert: Don't Pay Bogus Fire Inspection Invoices

BREAKING: Businesses and residents in Sonoma and Marin counties are being targeted, fire officials said Thursday.

Businesses and residents in Sonoma and Marin counties are being warned of a fire inspection scam that has surfaced after recent wildfires around California, fire officials said.

The Sonoma County Fire Prevention Officers Association said that bogus invoices have been sent from a company called Red Mountain Security and Fire Protection, or RMS, for fire inspections that never occurred.

RMS is not a valid California State Fire Marshal-approved vendor and several businesses in Marin and Sonoma counties have received false invoices by mail for around $300-400.

Find out what's happening in Mill Valleyfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Anyone that receives an invoice from RMS, or other companies claiming inspections that were not authorized or did not occur, should contact their local fire departments.

Residents and businesses are also encouraged to verify all invoices pertaining to fire inspection prior to paying them, confirming the service was both requested and provided.

Find out what's happening in Mill Valleyfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

— Bay City News Service

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