2 Princeton Businesses Scammed By Impostor: Police

PRINCETON, NJ — Princeton Police are warning locals to watch out for a man posing as a fire extinguisher inspector after two businesses were scammed in the same day.

In both cases a man went into the businesses on Saturday, March 23 claiming to be a fire extinguisher inspector from Metro Fire Prevention located at 1485 State St. Trenton. Police report that the company “Metro Fire Prevention” and the addresses provided are fake.

An employee of Dunkin Donuts on Nassau Street reported to police that sometime between 5:30 and 6 p.m. a man came into the business and began "servicing" their fire extinguishers and collected $378.35 in cash, Princeton Police Sgt. Frederick R. Williams said.

The victim described the man as white, bald, 6'2," heavy set, wearing khaki colored chino pants, a gray polo style shirt, and a black baseball cap.

An hour later the second scam was reported at Small World Coffee located on Witherspoon Street where a man entered the business and portrayed himself as a fire extinguisher inspector, Williams said.

The manager on duty said the man asked to inspect the interior fire extinguishers to ensure that they were up to date. The man then gave two handwritten receipts charging a total of $476.70 for his services, which he collected in cash, William said.

The victim described the man as white, about six feet in height, heavy set with short dark hair that was shaved, brown eyes and wearing a brown sweatshirt (no company markings).

If you have been a victim of this scam or you have relevant information regarding this scam,
contact Detective Sgt. Ben Gering at 609-921-2100 ext. 1840 or Detective Adam Basatemur at 609-921-2100, ext. 2170.

Have a news tip? Email alexis.tarrazi@patch.com.

Get Patch breaking news alerts sent right to your phone with our new app. Download here.