Cobourg Fire Department warns of unsolicited fire safety equipment sales
Photo by Dan Jones, Northumberland 89.7 FM News, LJI
Cobourg Fire is warning residents of individuals posing to sell fire related equipment. It’s alleged that people are offering unsolicited home fire safety checks.
Officials said there have been made aware of unsettling incidents in which residents may have been coerced, pressured, or frightened by individuals posing as fire safety professionals.
Homeowners were lured through a “free giveaway” into providing their home address and contact information.
Shortly afterward, company representatives visited their homes and used scare tactics, including disturbing videos of fire fatalities and false claims about smoke alarms not working—to pressure residents into purchasing expensive fire protection systems costing thousands of dollars.
Cobourg Fire said firefighters will go door-to-door in uniform and clearly marked vehicles to offer advice on fire safety equipment, but will not pressure you to make any purchases beyond what is required by provincial fire code.
